SAN FRANCISCO (FN) — A California animal rights activist who removed four chickens from a Northern California poultry processing plant was convicted Wednesday of felony conspiracy and multiple misdemeanors, following a seven-week trial in Sonoma County.
Zoe Rosenberg, 23, was found guilty on all counts by a Santa Rosa jury, including felony conspiracy, two misdemeanor counts of trespassing, and one misdemeanor count of tampering with a vehicle. The charges stem from her actions at Petaluma Poultry, a subsidiary of Perdue Farms, one of the nation’s largest poultry suppliers.
Rosenberg, affiliated with the Berkeley-based group Direct Action Everywhere (DxE), admitted to taking the chickens but argued she was rescuing them from inhumane conditions. “I will not apologize for taking sick, neglected animals to get medical care,” Rosenberg said after the verdict. “Poppy, Ivy, Aster, and Azalea are alive today. For that, I will never be sorry.”
The chickens were later placed in an animal sanctuary, according to DxE.
Rosenberg, wearing an ankle monitor, addressed supporters outside the courthouse, many holding signs reading “Prosecute Petaluma Poultry” and “Right to Rescue.” She said she planned to report alleged animal cruelty at the facility to the Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office.
Her attorney, Chris Carraway, criticized the prosecution, saying the county spent significant resources “to protect a multi-billion-dollar corporation from the rescue of four chickens worth less than 25 Dollars.” He said he intends to appeal the verdict.
Sonoma County District Attorney Carla Rodriguez defended the prosecution, stating, “While we respect everyone’s right to free expression, it is unlawful to trespass, disrupt legitimate businesses, and endanger workers and animals in pursuit of a political or social agenda.”
Petaluma Poultry denied allegations of mistreatment and described DxE as an extremist group. “Personal beliefs don’t justify breaking the law,” said Herb Frerichs, general counsel for the company. “DxE members admitted to planning and carrying out illegal acts — including break-ins, theft of private data, and stealing livestock — under the guise of activism and to gain publicity.”
During the trial, Rosenberg testified that she disguised herself as a Petaluma Poultry employee using a fake badge and earpiece, and later posted a video of the incident on social media.
Rosenberg’s sentencing is scheduled for Dec. 3. She faces a maximum sentence of four and a half years in jail.
The co-founder of DxE was convicted in a separate case two years ago for participating in similar factory farm protests in Petaluma.
