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Judge dismisses “ag gag” lawsuit in North Carolina

A lawsuit filed by some animal rights groups against North Carolina’s new “ag gag” law has been dismissed by a federal judge. The suit claims the Property Protection Act stifles their ability to investigate North Carolina employers “for illegal or unethical conduct” in violation of the U.S. and state constitutions, deterring them from conducting undercover investigations to expose animal cruelty. Violators of the law face civil penalties.

The judge ruled that the plaintiffs did not show that the law has injured them.  The groups include PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) and the Animal Legal Defense Fund. According to AgriPulse, the plaintiffs say they will likely appeal the ruling.