A jury in Sonoma County has found animal rights activist Zoe Rosenberg guilty of felony conspiracy, trespassing, and other charges after she took four chickens from a Perdue Farms poultry plant. The 23-year-old activist, associated with Direct Action Everywhere (DxE), argued she was rescuing the birds from cruelty at Petaluma Poultry, a subsidiary of Perdue Farms. The trial lasted about seven weeks, and the jury in Santa Rosa took less than a day to deliver the guilty verdict.
Rosenberg faced charges including two misdemeanor counts of trespassing, a misdemeanor count of tampering with a vehicle, and a felony conspiracy charge. Despite the conviction, Rosenberg expressed no regret, stating, “I will not apologize for taking sick, neglected animals to get medical care.” She and her group placed the rescued chickens, named Poppy, Ivy, Aster, and Azalea, in an animal sanctuary.
Following the verdict, Rosenberg, wearing an ankle monitor, addressed her supporters and announced plans to report animal cruelty at Petaluma Poultry. Her attorney, Chris Carraway, criticized the district attorney’s office for spending significant resources on the case, arguing it was to protect a large corporation. Carraway plans to appeal the verdict.
Sonoma County District Attorney Carla Rodriguez stated that the verdict reinforces that no one is above the law, emphasizing the importance of lawful conduct in pursuing political or social agendas. Rosenberg’s sentencing is scheduled for December 3, where she could face up to four and a half years in jail.
Petaluma Poultry, which has labeled DxE as an extremist group, maintains that the animals were not mistreated and supports lawful protests but condemns illegal activities. The case highlights ongoing tensions between animal rights activists and the agricultural industry in Northern California.
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