ST. PAUL — Making undercover videos of animal mistreatment would be illegal in Minnesota under bills pending in the state Legislature.

The bills would make it illegal to make audio or video recordings at any animal facility without permission. Even possessing such videos would become illegal.

Animal rights advocates say the proposal would have a chilling effect on whistle-blowers trying to call attention to animal cruelty.

Republican Sen. Doug Magnus of Slayton tells the Star Tribune the bill he’s sponsoring is “aimed at people who are harassing and sabotaging these operations.”

The Humane Society is concerned the bill would act as a shield for the entire agricultural industry.

Similar bills are being considered in Florida, Idaho and Iowa. No committee hearings are scheduled on the bills in Minnesota.