The Rise and Fall of Canadian Ag Gag Laws

This talk examines the rise and fall of so-called “ag gag” laws in Canada—measures designed to shield farms and slaughterhouses from scrutiny by outlawing undercover investigations that have been successful in exposing widespread animal cruelty, and threatening whistleblowers and animal advocates with fines and jail time. The talk will trace legislative attempts to cover up cruelty, and successful efforts by Canada's animal protection movement to block the passage of dangerous proposals, and strike them down in court. Ultimately, public demand for transparency in the food system is incompatible with attempts at secrecy.