"An independent journalist says he's found a way around the so-called 'ag-gag' laws by flying drones over large livestock operations to document animal welfare problems and pollution.

Will Potter, a Washington D.C.-based, recently raised $75,000 to buy the drones and other equipment to investigate animal agriculture in the U.S.

'I was primarily motivated by what's happening outside of those closed doors, but is still invisible and hidden from the public spotlight,' he tells The Salt. 'In particular, I was motivated by seeing these of farm pollution, of waste lagoons, of sprawling industrial operations.'"

Peggy Lowe reports for NPR's The Salt blog July 19, 2014. [2]