Iowas

Federal Appeals Court Rules Iowa’s “Ag Gag” Laws Constitutional, Clearing the Path for Enforcement

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DES MOINES, Iowa — A federal appeals court has ruled that two of Iowa’s “ag gag” laws, which impose penalties on individuals who trespass on agricultural property with the intention of causing financial harm, are constitutional. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit announced its rulings on Monday, reversing a lower court decision in both cases. A third lawsuit is still pending. The rulings suggest that these state laws may soon become enforceable. However, an attorney for one of the plaintiffs expressed confidence that opponents would prevail upon appeal to the U.S. Supreme … Read more

Federal Appeals Court Lifts Injunctions on Iowa’s Animal Welfare Laws, Granting Victory to Farmers

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Des Moines, Iowa – In a recent decision, a federal appeals court lifted two injunctions that had prevented the enforcement of Iowa laws designed to prevent undercover filming of animal confinements. These laws criminalize gaining entry to agricultural production facilities through deception and recording with a camera while trespassing. The Eighth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that these laws do not violate the free speech rights of groups that challenged them. The laws have been a subject of contention between animal welfare organizations and agricultural production facilities. Those in favor of the laws argue … Read more

Iowa’s ‘Ag-Gag’ Laws Upheld by Federal Appeals Court, Free Speech Battle Continues

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DES MOINES, Iowa – A federal appeals court has ruled that Iowa’s “ag-gag” laws, which criminalize undercover investigations at agricultural facilities, do not infringe upon free speech rights. The decision by the court upholds a lower court’s ruling and has sparked debate among animal rights activists and agricultural industry representatives. The laws, enacted in 2012 and 2019, aimed at preventing undercover activists from filming or documenting activities at animal production facilities without permission. The legislation was largely driven by concerns over animal welfare and potential economic harm to the agricultural industry. Critics argue that these … Read more