Over the decades, journalists and activist groups have revealed horrendous animal cruelty using covert recordings. A 2011 Four Corners investigation of abuse of Australian cattle in Indonesia is among the most well-known examples.
Many attempts to record agricultural operations have involved activists breaking the law to do it. Court cases are not uncommon.
But the most recent case, being heard by the High Court of Australia this week, is different. In this instance, an abattoir has been awarded copyright ownership of footage shot by animal welfare activists. As a result, the footage, which the activists say depicts animal cruelty, can’t be made public.
In the case, Farm Transparency International v The Game Meats Company of Australia, the court will consider whether the activists’ illegal conduct disqualifies the future use and release of the footage.
The proceedings could be highly significant for both humans and animals, with potential implications for press freedom and the public’s right to know.
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https://www.hcourt.gov.au/cases-and-judgments/cases/current/case-no-m1052025
