Protect animal welfare, consumer safety

Rather than working to strengthen Iowa's weak animal cruelty laws, Iowa lawmakers are spending their time working to shield factory farmers who abuse animals from public scrutiny. They are debating bills (SF 341 and HF 431) that would make it a felony punishable by up to five years in prison to produce and distribute video recordings of conditions on farms. This is a clear violation of First Amendment rights and a threat to media's freedom to report on the important issue of animal welfare.

I am appalled that our legislators are not working to prevent and prosecute cruelty to animals, but are instead making it more difficult to expose. Without undercover cruelty investigations, there are no effective watchdogs protecting animals from egregious cruelty in these facilities. If these bills pass, factory farmers will be able to abuse animals with impunity.

Farmers who treat their animals humanely should welcome the public and welcome transparency. Consumers have a right to know how their food is produced and how animals on modern farms are treated so they can make informed choices. Lawmakers should focus on protecting animal welfare and consumer safety rather than on hiding

cruel and unsafe practices.

Elaine Brostrom

Des Moines