By AP/KWMU
Jefferson City, MO – Missouri lawmakers rejected a measure Tuesday that would have made it a felony to photograph or videotape animals on private property.
The measure targeted facilities like dog kennels and farms. The proposal was introduced by King City Republican Jim Guest. He said he wanted to protect farmers from animal rights activists.
But Democrat Rick Johnson called it a puppy mill protection act. Opponents say it would hinder efforts to prove inhumane treatment at kennels or farms.
Backers tried to add the language to a Senate-passed bill on agriculture and taxes. The House passed the bill without the provision on photographing animals, and sent it back to the Senate.
The provision would have made it illegal to photograph, videotape or get any image of any aspect of an animal facility, if the recording equipment is on private property.