Idaho lawmakers passed the "ag gag" law to stop the secret recording of livestock abuse like this. (Warning: Graphic Footage)
Idaho's pro-agribusiness law that barred the secret recording of livestock has been deemed unconstitutional by a federal judge who ruled that the so-called "ag gag" law violated the First Amendment.
The decision, if it survives on appeal, threatens similar laws in Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Montana, North Dakota, and Utah. A North Carolina law takes force in January. Idaho's law carried a maximum one-year jail penalty and up to a $5,000 fine for first offenders for filming or audio recording at a farm without the owner's consent.
It was challenged by several animal-rights groups. Monday's decision marks the first time one of these laws has been declared unconstitutional.
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