Home of the classic burger, pulled pork sandwiches and wings, America continues to maintain its reputation for the most carnivorous country in the world. But in consuming such a large proportion of meat products, Americans sometimes forget to question where their meat is coming from.
Nearly a dozen state legislatures across the nation have or are in the process of passing a aggregate of laws collectively known as agriculture-gag (ag-gag) bills. These bill vary from state to state, but they all mostly serve to prohibit undercover recordings on any kind of farm, a direct affront to muckrakers. Since America’s birth, muckrakers -— otherwise known as investigative journalists — have dedicated their lives to ensuring we remain land of the free and home of the brave. For example, Upton Sinclair exposed conditions in America’s meat packing industry, which in turn, initiated key legislation such as the 1906 Meat Inspection Act and Pure Food and Drug Act.
Outlawing activities common to muckrakers directly correlates to risking food safety, labor violations, sexual harassment and animal abuse.
These bills also challenge the line of freedom of the press, free speech, labor regulations, food regulations and animal rights regulations.
Whistle-blower videos and photographs are essential in educating the public on what we’re eating. In regards to agriculture, muckrakers focus primarily on the sequence of events from when the animal is born to how it gets to the plate. They try to stop major corporations from violating federal regulations and ensure we continue humane practices while cultivating the food that fuels us.
Activists have uncovered countless sadistic, unwarranted crimes against animals thanks to their work. Tyson Foods employees in Wyoming were filmed tossing piglets freely into the air for fun, resulting in charges of animal cruelty. Sparboe Farms employees in Iowa were also charged with animal cruelty for branding the beaks of baby chicks, consequently losing McDonalds as a customer. These documentations have led to prosecution, recalls and changes in practices of many farm owners, but these bills could limit this progress.
Legislation has unfairly targeted investigative journalists whose sole purpose is to inform the public of what happens behind the scenes. Now, simply exposing the truth has become synonymous with criminal action.
Lawmakers have cleverly crafted a facade of this legislation to appear as if their concerns are for the protection of animals. However, any evidence of criminal activity found must be turned over within 24 hours of occurring. The restrictions could potentially jeopardize finding patterns of abuse, seeing how many parties are involved in the abuse and could give employees a heads up to conceal their merciless practices better. We can’t pass laws stopping people from questioning those in power, or we’ll never be able to improve things.