[Dailydrool] Whistleblower bill

[Riche Churchill]

This isn't exactly Basset related, except possibly in future for Basset 
rescues, but I would like to urge anyone from Tennessee on the list to 
call Gov. Bill Haslam at 615-741-2001 and *politely* say, "As your 
constituent, I'm asking that you pleave veto SB 1248, the 
anti-whistleblower "ag-gag" bill."

This bill will require anyone, including animal rescue groups and humane 
societies to turn over any photos and other "evidence" about animal 
abuse (currently mostly horses, etc.) to sheriff or police dept within 
48 hours and bow out completely thereafter. Failure to do so will result 
in fines and possibly worse.

What this basically does, is allow "good ol' boys" to suppress or cover 
up any evidence and to warn farmers and (probably) puppy-millers in 
advance of a possible investigation. The other, primary goal, IMO, is to 
keep people from putting photos and information on facebook and other 
media and causing unwelcome TV coverage and public reaction.

I already know from personal experience that some ag extention agents, 
to whom "livestock" abuse *must* be reported *first* has warned the 
culprits and aided them in getting animals hidden before investigators 
could appear with warrants.

Thank you, Riche Churchill