Animal cruelty bill barely clears House hurdle, heads to governor

The bill requires people who intentionally film livestock for the purpose of catching abuse to turn it over to law enforcement within 48 hours. Image courtesy ASPCA

A proposal that would force activists to immediately give police their footage of livestock abuse is a signature away from becoming state law. Wednesday night the House signed off on what many see as a backdoor way to block the filming of animal cruelty.

If animal rights groups like the Humane Society don’t turn over photos and video of abuse within 48 hours, they could be charged with a misdemeanor.

Opposition crossed party lines. Rep. Susan Lynn is a Republican from Mt. Juliet who said she couldn’t believe the proposal was given serious consideration.

“This bill mandates that citizens report something which may or may not be a crime just because they happen to video tape it,” she said.

Opponents tried to pass amendments just to sink the proposal, like expanding the forfeiture of footage to pet abuse and cockfighting.

Some of those who spoke against the bill still voiced support of keeping animal activists from going undercover to collect video of cruelty.

The bill received the minimum number of votes to pass – 50. So far Governor Bill Haslam has not weighed in on the issue.