BOISE, Idaho (AP) — Milk producers convinced state senators Tuesday to back a bill aiming to halt spying on their operations, a measure prompted by animal activists who captured cruelty at a southern Idaho dairy on film in July 2012.

The Agricultural Affairs Committee voted to back what proponents called an “agricultural security measure” — and what foes branded a heavy-handed and punitive response to groups seeking to expose horrendous abuses.

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