California

Sonoma County Activist Convicted in⁤ ‘Chicken Rescue’ Case

Zoe Rosenberg,​ an animal rights activist with‌ the group Direct Action Everywhere ‌(DxE), was found guilty on May‌ 2, 2024, of petty theft and trespassing following a​ “rescue” of four chickens from a Petaluma poultry facility in November 2023.⁢ The Sonoma County jury’s decision followed a trial where‌ the defence argued the ⁤actions were motivated by ⁤compassion for animals in ⁢distress, while prosecutors‌ maintained that Rosenberg violated the law.

The charges stemmed from an incident where⁢ rosenberg and othre‍ DxE members removed four hens -⁢ poppy, Ivy,​ Aster, and Azalea ‌- from ​Petaluma Poultry, alleging they were ‌suffering from neglect. Rosenberg testified⁤ she sought too provide ⁤the chickens with medical ⁤care. The jury deliberations lasted approximately⁣ six hours, and the verdict was unanimous.

“Everyone was the same,” Rosenberg’s attorney, Eric Carraway, reported after the verdict.

The case is part ​of a pattern of similar‌ legal⁢ battles faced ​by ⁣DxE members nationwide. In October 2022, two⁢ activists were ‍acquitted of burglary and theft in Utah after removing ‌two piglets from a‍ farm. Similarly, in March 2023, two DxE members were found not guilty of misdemeanor theft in Merced County after​ taking two chickens from ​a Foster Farms facility. ⁢

Though, the Sonoma County outcome⁣ differs from these earlier ​cases. ‍Rosenberg’s arrest followed ⁤the sentencing of⁢ DxE co-founder Wayne ​Hsiung to 90⁢ days⁣ in jail and two⁤ years’ probation in a ⁢similar⁣ Sonoma County case.Since then, DxE ⁤has ​increased its activism​ in the area, including ⁣demonstrations outside Trader Joe’s, blocking delivery trucks, and ‍supporting a 2024 ballot measure aimed at restricting large-scale poultry and ⁢livestock operations, which voters rejected.​ The‌ group also sponsored a⁣ billboard along Highway 101 near Petaluma ⁣questioning weather Rosenberg should face imprisonment for “rescuing” a chicken; prosecutors ⁣unsuccessfully attempted to have the billboard removed, ‌fearing it would influence potential ⁤jurors.

following the⁢ verdict, ⁤District ‍Attorney Jennifer Rodriguez stated‌ her office would continue to prosecute activists who⁣ “blur the⁤ line between protest and‌ crime,” asserting that⁢ some​ groups “have‌ attempted ⁢to use the‌ criminal justice system as a platform to gain attention and ​further their movement.”‌

Leaders ​in Sonoma County’s agricultural⁢ community welcomed⁤ the decision. Herb Frerichs, general counsel for Petaluma Poultry, said⁤ the verdict ​demonstrated ​that “personal ​beliefs don’t justify breaking⁢ the law.” Dayna Ghirardelli,‌ executive director⁣ of the Sonoma County Farm Bureau, stated the decision underscored ‌public ⁢rejection of ​DxE’s tactics and support⁢ for local farmers.

Carraway ​criticized the prosecution ⁤as a misuse⁢ of resources, stating the county “spent hundreds of thousands ⁣of taxpayer dollars to protect a multi-billion-dollar corporation from the ​rescue of four⁢ chickens worth less than $25.”

Rosenberg, who had previously worn a GPS ⁤monitor for 20 months during ​the​ case, had the device reinstalled on her ankle outside‌ the ⁢courthouse after the verdict.she expressed no regrets. ‍

“I ‌will not⁣ apologize for taking sick,⁣ neglected animals to get medical care,” Rosenberg​ said. “Because I did, Poppy, Ivy, Aster and Azalea are alive today. For that, I will never ⁢be sorry.” She added,while addressing a crowd of​ over 20 supporters,”I ​think⁢ about all⁤ of the chickens who are suffering every⁣ moment of their lives – and ⁣who advocates for them?”