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Stifling Undercover Investigations at Illinois Farms

Jim Sacia
Photo from the Illinois General Assembly website
Jim Sacia

Recording at a farm or livestock facility without the permission of the owner would be illegal under a proposal in the Illinois House.

Representative Jim Sacia (R-Winnebago County) sponsored the measure (HB 5143). He said farmers know what's best for their animals.

"I have been involved in the agriculture community my entire life. I grew up on a dairy farm. I'm a strong supporter of livestock agriculture," Sacia said.

"When people attempt to make farmers look bad in order to further their agenda, that bothers me."

Animal-rights activists oppose the measure. They advance their cause through videos showing animals being brutalized or killed.

A similar ban was recently signed into law in Iowa.

Sacia has tabled the proposal for now, though he said he will continue to push for a ban.

Thanks to Illinois Public Radio
 

Rich is TSPR's News Director.