A federal judge has upheld Iowa’s law barring trespassers from using cameras or recording devices to investigate livestock facilities, dismissing a challenge from People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) and an Iowa citizens’ group.
Chief U.S. District Judge Stephanie Rose ruled that the law serves Iowa’s interest in protecting property rights and privacy while allowing other legal means for advocacy. The decision follows a remand from the Eighth Circuit, which had upheld most of the law but allowed a challenge to the provision restricting the use of recording devices.
Plaintiffs argued the law suppresses whistleblowing and public discourse, while the court found it appropriately tailored to prevent unauthorized surveillance. The plaintiffs are considering an appeal.
