Gov. Terry Branstad is defending his decision to sign into law a measure making Iowa the first state where it's a crime to lie in order to gain access to a livestock operation to record animal abuse.
Speaking Monday at his weekly news conference, Branstad noted the measure had bipartisan support in the House and Senate.
He scoffed at concerns that Iowa's livestock industry could suffer retaliation from animal welfare activists upset about the issue. He says other states are likely to follow Iowa's example and approve similar legislation.
Branstad says gaining access to property under false pretenses is a serious matter and property owners deserve protections.
The governor signed the measure Friday night, three days after it was approved by the Legislature.
