Animal activists sue UDOT over protest

A local animal rights organization has filed a lawsuit against the Utah Department of Transportation.

The group, Salt Lake Animal Advocacy Movement, wants to hold a protest Nov. 28 on State Street, or U.S. 66, in Morgan. Morgan County has more fur farms than any other county in the country, the group contends.

But in order to hold a legal protest, SLAAM members said they are being required to post a $1 million liability insurance policy. If they don't, they could face arrest for trespassing. SLAAM members say their right to free assembly is being violated.

"Free speech is supposed to be free," SLAAM member Colleen Hatfield said.

UDOT spokesman Adan Carrillo said, however, that no permit had been denied. On the contrary he said, "We want them to hold their event. We just want to make sure they do it in a safe manner."

Carrillo said for a protest to happen, all the permits have to be in place.

"If they're going to be on a right of way, we want to make sure they're covered for any liabilities that will occur," he said.

The group has told UDOT they expected about 200 people at the protest.

— Pat Reavy