Who are animal-video bill backers supporting?

The Iowa House has already approved H.F. 589, which would outlaw undercover video of any inhumane treatment at an Iowa “animal facility.”

Thus, if the Iowa Senate approves the bill and Gov. Terry Branstad signs it into law, the penalties (including prison) would be the same for anyone video recording the inhumane treatment of dogs at puppy mills in Iowa or recording the inhumane treatment of farm animals.

Rep. Annette Sweeney of Alden, who is House Agriculture Committee chair and lead sponsor of the legislation, opposed last year's puppy mill bill, as did now-Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds.

Why does the majority of the Iowa House support the inhumane treatment of any animal? Surely, many of them are both farmers and pet owners.

Are they protecting ongoing practice by agribusiness because they accept campaign donations and don't care if puppy mill owners abuse animals by keeping them in small wire cages their entire lives, or starving them, or worse?

Voters can go to the website: “Iowa Voters for Companion Animals” for a harsh look at what animal cruelty looks like.

I urge Senate Democrats to reject this despicable legislation.

Ellen Ballas

Iowa City