Utah Passes Ag-Gag Law

On Tuesday, Utah became the second state after Iowa to pass an ag-gag law aimed at protecting the agricultural industry from undercover investigations, which proponents of the law say are damaging to companies’ financial interests and credibility. Under the new law, people who document operations on a farm without permission could face a class A misdemeanor and up to a year of jail time. Mercy For Animals Executive Director Nathan Runkle is outraged at the decision, saying the law will create “a safe haven for animal abuse and other criminal activity in the state.” MFA and other animal-welfare organizations are currently exploring legal strategies to challenge the legislation.