In Utah, a woman is facing charges under the state’s so-called “ag-gag” law for filming a slaughterhouse from a public street. Journalist Will Potter reports Amy Meyer is the first person in the country to face prosecution under the wave of state laws, which critics say are designed to muzzle proof of animal cruelty by criminalizing undercover filming at farms and slaughterhouses. Meyer said in a statement: “I am shocked and disappointed that I am being prosecuted … simply for standing on public property and documenting horrific animal abuse while those who perpetrated these acts are free to continue maiming and killing animals.” The slaughterhouse where Meyer filmed happens to be owned by Darrell Smith, the mayor of Draper City, where it is located.
2013