Animal Rights Group Want Idaho Ag Gag Law Thrown Out

BOISE, Idaho (AP) — Animal rights lawyers are asking a federal judge to strike down an Idaho law aiming to stop people from secretly filming animal abuse in the state's agricultural facilities.

The law's opponents asked U.S. District Judge B. Lynn Winmill on Tuesday for a summary judgment — a fast-tracked way for a judge to rule on a lopsided case without having a full trial. Justin Marceau from the Animal Legal Defense Fund says the statute — dubbed the 'ag gag' law — stifles free speech. But Carl Withroe from the Idaho Attorney General's office says that the law doesn't hinder whistleblowers.

Lawmakers passed the statute last February after a vegetarian and animal rights group released a video of Magic Valley diary workers beating cows. Winmill says he hopes to issue his ruling next week.