3-11 IAT IDA Response

Over the past two weeks, supporters from various Idaho agricultural sectors explained the need for the agriculture security legislation to the Senate and House Agricultural Affairs Committees. Idaho farmers live and work spread out across the land where they are uniquely vulnerable to increasing threats to their safety and security.

Idaho's dairy industry has a legacy of caring for their animals and the land and ensuring that the dairy products they produce are safe and nutritious. "Let me be clear: dairy farmers do not condone abuse-- plain and simple" stated Idaho Dairymen's Association President (IDA), Tony VanderHulst. Adding "The dairy farmer who fell victim to the activist group is well-known for his unquestioned compassion for his animals. He is a true steward of his cows, his land and his community. To see him be persecuted in the public eye for an issue that everyone agrees has been corrected shows the true and clear motivation of these activist groups".

Opponents of SB 1337 who participate in or condone this type of conduct call it an "Ag-gag" bill, to mislead people into believing that the bill will enable Idaho farmers to hide animal cruelty. Testimony before the Senate and House Agricultural Affairs committees has clearly demonstrated that SB 1337 does not prohibit lawful reporting, investigation and prosecution of animal cruelty. There is a hotline at the Idaho State Department of Agriculture to immediately report any abuse or perceived abuse. This hotline can be anonymous if the caller chooses.