'Ag-gag' bill attacks animals

I had reluctantly convinced myself to just walk away from the effort to change the lax animal cruelty laws in Idaho. But, when the current legislative session began and I became aware of the announcement by the chairman of the Agricultural Committee that he would absolutely not even consider nor bring before our legislators any and all amendments which would seek to strengthen our existing weak and ineffective animal cruelty laws, I was angry.

Since and during the last legislative session, we have seen alarming instances of horrible animal cruelty. The sheriffs' departments of Kootenai and Shoshone counties stepped in and shocked us with headlines about egregious situations in both Athol and Cataldo, each of which were so horrific that they required the confiscation of the animals. I suspect that the conclusions to these two regrettable stories were a direct result of the bogus animal cruelty laws passed by the state Legislature in the 2011 session. You may recall that there was a mere handful of "no" votes for the onerous bill, but the majority of our illustrious Legislature chose to deceive the people who applauded in favor of the proposed Idaho 1 of 3 amendment which was enthusiastically supported by more than 38,000 citizens who signed to get the proposal on the ballot.

Also important to note is that several hundred citizens sent notes and made phone calls to Gov. Butch Otter asking him not to sign the bogus bill into law, but the reality was that Idaho's citizens were ignored.

I gave you some history in the beginning of this piece because I would like you to note that none of the legislators from the treacherous enactment of the 2011 session paid the price of treachery with the loss of position.

Politicians don't see the light until they feel the heat. Here is what they're up to now: they have designed a new law they plan on voting into place in this session. The new law goes so far as to threaten the First Amendment rights of all Idahoans to exercise their right to freedom of speech.

The newly proposed law, SB 1298 will prevent anyone, either a good Samaritan or an employee of a farm factory such as a dairy, a cattle processing facility, a poultry ranch, or a similar operation, from choosing to be a whistleblower or even by spreading the word about inappropriate practices, which would include making video or audio recording of any acts of cruelty. Those who do not comply with this new law will be subject to a year in jail and a $5, 000 fine. This punishment is in stark contrast to the fate of an animal abuser in a private ranch environment against whom is levied a token fine and slap on the wrist. This proposed law has earned the title of: the "Ag-Gag" bill. We looked foolish when the 2011 scam succeeded.

I hope everyone remembers the old adage: "Once burned, twice learned."

Find out who your representatives are and vote them out of office. Get on the phone and call your legislators and tell them you want them to vote AGAINST SB 1298.

This behavior in our Legislature, if practiced in private ventures, would be scrutinized under the RICO act. That said, it is in the hands of the citizens of Idaho and, in particular, the voting public, to make clear your feelings to your legislators.

May Idaho live by a higher standard than what has been displayed by its legislators and governor.

Tony Mangan is a Kootenai County resident.