We need responsible animal agriculture

I second the motion to applaud those who expose animal abuse made by Christian Schoon of Cedar Rapids (March 11 letter).

I agree that the allegations of the legislators supporting the criminalization of whistle-blowing in the animal agriculture industry is bizarre. Does anyone really believe that an animal rights/welfare activist is going to risk his reputation, his only real strength, by deliberately creating displays of animal cruelty? How stupid do these legislators, some in the pockets of big corporate farming interests, think the public is?

It is much more likely that the greed-fueled desperation of corporate farmers is behind this proposed legislation. The worm is turning in the public mind and those involved in animal agriculture know it. These corporate farmers would be much smarter if they hired an animal behaviorist and consultant, like Temple Grandin, to analyze their livestock operations and recommend changes that would obviate the need for cruel and inhumane measures by livestock workers. This solution would be cheaper in the long run and less likely to so inflame the public that people adopt a completely vegan diet.

Ann Kinney Long

Cedar Rapids