Illinois farm advocacy groups are pushing for a statewide right to work bill that would protect farmers and ranchers from nuisance lawsuits and from animal rights activism.
Over the past several years, several agricultural states have found themselves embroiled in conflicts with animal rights organizations. In states like Missouri and Ohio, animal rights groups have used ballot initiatives to push for major changes to laws regulating the treatment of animals on farms and ranches.
In response to these initiatives, some states have pushed to write constitutionally protected farming rights, limiting the ability of local and even state governments to interfere with agricultural production
Farmers in the state were deeply concerned with potential animal rights activism. According to one Illinois farmer, “We want people to understand that this is something where agriculture feels has been targeted by special interest groups that have a great deal of money.”
Another criticized urban residents moving into rural areas, stating, “As far as the city people moving out, most of them are fine .But there are a few that come out here. And think we got to change everything so we can make it city living, and that won’t work.”
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Written by: Justin Ellison / Farm Plus Staff Writer