In the past, lawmakers backed by animal agribusiness have introduced ag-gag bills in dozens of states. The vast majority of these bills have been defeated by the Humane Society of the United States and other organizations seeking to protect consumers’ right to know where their food comes from. Pressure from the public and newspaper editorial boards have also been instrumental in stopping ag-gag bills.

Of the handful of bills that did become law, five have already been struck down by courts because they infringe on the First Amendment. Taxpayers in Iowa, Utah and Idaho are being forced to pay hundreds of thousands of dollars to plaintiffs because politicians in their states passed unconstitutional ag-gag laws under pressure from the factory farming lobby.

It is said that the best disinfectant is daylight. Whistleblowing employees and animal welfare advocates such as the HSUS Investigations Team are on the frontlines of exposing the worst abuses in factory farms, laboratories and puppy mills.

Photo and video evidence not only presents a powerful case against cruel industries, but also provides a shield of protection for employees with the courage to speak out who might otherwise be intimidated or fired if going through traditional complaint reporting channels.