Editor's Note:  The following article was sent out by the Associated Press.





By David Britt



Associated Press





DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) - Animal welfare groups are trying to convince Iowa's governor to veto a bill that would make it a crime to gain access to a livestock operation to secretly record the treatment of animals.  Gov. Terry Branstad hasn't said whether he will sign the measure, approved this week by the lawmakers.  The governor has until Friday to make a decision.



Opponents of the measure say it's designed to stop whistleblowers who secretly record inhumane treatment of animals.  Supporters say operations need protection against people who lie to get jobs, then record scenes farm groups argue can be taken out of context.



Iowa is the first state to pass such a law.  Similar action is being considered elsewhere, including Utah where the Utah House approved a measure now awaiting action in the Senate.