Hidden Mistreatment

Utah May Ban Hidden Cameras

Animal Rights – A proven tool in animal rights activism is being challenged in Utah. The state may make it illegal to use hidden cameras on agricultural land.

The sponsor of the bill, Rep. John Mathis, has said that the ban is necessary because “national propaganda groups” are using the cameras as tools in their agenda of dismantling large corporations.

He extends his claim further by making the analogy that allowing the cameras is comparable to “a neighborhood watch group that goes into your home and hides cameras because you may one day do something to your kids.”

Numerous animal activist organizations have protested the bill, which they see as written to “penalize people who uncover animal abuse.” PETA, the most vocal of animal groups, is among the animal rights groups taking their protests to the nation.

Also protesting the bill is the ASPCA. The organization’s director of farm animal welfare, Suzanne McMillan, added, “Bills like this only serve to heighten suspicion that the agricultural industry has something to hide.” And often, as proven by hidden cameras investigating places such as McDonalds, this is the case.

The bill, which has passed the state House, will make concealing a camera a misdemeanor crime. Similar proposals have failed in Iowa, Florida, New York, and Minnesota.

Read more at the Huffington Post.