Why the term ‘Ag-gag’ law misleading

May 08, 2013

One of the hot button issues in the U.S. is the so called “ag gag” laws that have been introduced in a number of state legislatures including Florida, Minnesota and New York, with Iowa and Utah passing them into law. While the bills in most states are called Animal Cruelty Prevention Acts, the animal rights groups have been successful in driving their own messaging – coining the term ag-gag laws. The sad part is that much of their information about these bills is skewed.

While animal rights groups claim that these bills will silence those who attempt to expose animal cruelty through prohibiting undercover videos of farms, the truth is that these bills wouldn’t prevent someone from reporting animal abuse. In fact, most would require the disclosure of any photos or videos over to authorities within forty-eight hours. Another major component of these types of bills would require those to submit unedited versions of the photos or videos over to law enforcement authorities. If one truly wants to end animal cruelty why wouldn’t you just report it right away?

In the rare occasion when cruelty does happen on a farm, it should be reported immediately. Those in the agriculture community frown down upon anyone who would be cruel to their animals. One initiative launched by the U.S. pork and dairy producers called “See It? Stop It!?” seeks help and provides guidance to those on how to report cases of animal abuse, neglect harm or mishandling. Taking action to stop animal abuse demonstrates a commitment to do what’s right for livestock on farms. These bills aren’t trying to hide “big ag” but rather attempting to crack down on agenda driven misinformation and force those who witness animal abuse to report it in a timely manner.

The following is an example of what the Tennessee bill says:

“SECTION 1. Tennessee Code Annotated, Section 39-14-202, is amended by adding the following language as a new, appropriately designated subsection:
Any person who records by photograph or video a violation of subsection (a)
as committed against livestock shall, within forty-eight (48) hours of the photograph’s or recording’s creation:
(1) Report such violation to law enforcement authorities; and
(2) Submit any unedited photographs or video recordings to law enforcement authorities.
SECTION 2. This act shall take effect July 1, 2013, the public welfare requiring it.”

Video: Evolution of Beef Cattle Farming

The Clear Conversations podcast took to the road for a special episode recorded in Nashville during CattleCon, bringing listeners straight into the heart of the cattle industry. Host Tracy Sellers welcomed rancher Steve Wooten of Beatty Canyon Ranch in Colorado for a wide-ranging discussion that blended family history and sustainability, particularly as it relates to the future of beef production.

Sustainability emerged as a central theme of the conversation, a word that Wooten acknowledges can mean very different things depending on who you ask. For him, sustainability starts with the soil. Healthy soil produces healthy grass, which supports efficient cattle capable of producing year after year with minimal external inputs. It’s an approach that equally considers vegetation, animal efficiency, and long-term profitability.

That philosophy aligned naturally with Wooten’s involvement in the U.S. Roundtable for Sustainable Beef, where he served as a representative for the Colorado Cattlemen’s Association. The roundtable brings together the entire beef supply chain—from producers to retailers—along with universities, NGOs, and allied industries. Its goal is not regulation, Wooten emphasized, but collaboration, shared learning, and continuous improvement.