FAA Opens Investigation of Drone Pilot Linked to Animal-Rights Filming

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has opened an investigation into Joseph Allman, a licensed drone pilot who has worked with the activist group Direct Action Everywhere. Allman received a letter in July indicating that the agency is examining a flight over Grimmius Cattle Co.’s East Ranch in Strathmore, California. He says the only formal notice he has received is that a complaint was filed on February 24 regarding that flight. The complaint alleges that the drone was not kept within the pilot’s line of sight, a claim Allman denies. The FAA has not commented on the investigation.

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Since the early 2010s, federal law has generally permitted licensed pilots to fly over agricultural property, allowing activists to capture video of animal-treatment practices. Direct Action Everywhere has used drones to document incidents such as the February video of ranch hands kicking calves in California’s Central Valley, which led to a worker’s dismissal. Activists argue that aerial footage exposes systemic cruelty, while the agriculture industry contends that such surveillance threatens the “national food supply chain.”

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• Cassie King, spokesperson for Direct Action Everywhere, said: “We know the industry lies about us, including saying our footage is edited,” — Cassie King, a spokesperson for the group

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• Austin Flores, chief operating officer of Grimmius Cattle Co., submitted a written comment on July 6 stating: “This is the end goal of these surveillance campaigns: to generate enough material to file complaints, trigger investigations, and create regulatory and legal pressure against lawful agricultural operations,” — Austin Flores

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• Joseph Allman expressed concern that tighter rules would hinder the ability of activists to document abuse, noting: “We believe that is a food security vulnerability that this rulemaking has an opportunity to address, and we urge the FAA to treat it as such.” — Joseph Allman

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Aviation law professor Douglas Marshall, who has written on drone policy, described FAA investigations as often “just a form letter” that may end without further action, but warned that “blatant” violations can lead to fines or license revocation. He advises pilots to seek legal counsel.

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The FAA is soliciting public comment on new regulations for “fixed-site facilities,” which would restrict drone operations over agricultural operations. Grimmius Cattle Co. and other producers have urged the agency to adopt strict restrictions, arguing that unregulated aerial surveillance creates a “food security vulnerability.” Activist groups contend that such limits would impede the public’s ability to monitor animal welfare and hold farms accountable. The outcome of the rulemaking could shape the balance between agricultural privacy and activist oversight.

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