Ag-gag in Australia? No thanks!

Wouldn't it be great if animal abusers just brought themselves forward and owned up to what they'd done? Actually, since we're hypothesising, it would be better if animal abuse didn't happen at all! But unfortunately that's not the world we live in...yet (we’re working on it!). And in this world, the most horrific animal abuse happens behind closed doors, far away from the public eye.

Disturbingly, new laws are proposing to help keep it that way – hidden. They want to make it illegal for anyone to film and expose cruelty.

You've probably heard the word "ag-gag" thrown around. Laws to prevent whistle-blowers exposing animal cruelty have already been put in place in some states of the US. And the debate has begun in Australia.

US journalist Will Potter explains better than I can why ag-gag laws are so disturbing:

Cruelty investigations over the last few years have shocked the Australian public. You might have seen the recent footage supplied to Aussie Farms which exposed for the first time EVER what the term "humane" slaughter really means for pigs ... or the story of 'retired' racehorse Nature's Child who was shot and dragged, still alive, to the killing floor at Laverton Knackery ... or the distressing truth about pet shop puppies and the horrific places they are born into ...

If ag-gag laws were in place in Australia, none of this cruelty would have been brought to light. Worrying hey?

A bill to prevent abuse being documented and exposed is currently being debated in South Australia. And it's not just the animals who need to worry in that state! Old people, poor people, disabled people, you, me ... pretty much everyone would be vulnerable under these proposed laws.

Other states are watching closely, with NSW and Victoria also considering ag-gag type legislation. If, like me, you don't want to live in a country where laws protect the abusers rather than the abused, you can take action today by contacting your state MP.

Because of people like you speaking out in the US, many ag-gag bills have been voted down. (Yay!) Your voice will help make sure this disturbing legislation to keep cruelty hidden doesn't take hold here in Australia. Click here to get contact details for your state MP.

UPDATE: On Tuesday 23rd September the Surveillance Devices Bill was voted down in South Australia. #win :) Full story here. The conversation is still alive in other states though. Be sure to touch base with your state MP ^^

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