A California animal rights activist was found guilty of felony conspiracy and trespassing after taking chickens from a poultry plant. Zoe Rosenberg, 23, took four chickens from the Petaluma Poultry facility, which is owned by Perdue Farms, a major player in the poultry industry. The jury reached their verdict in under one day after a seven-week trial in Sonoma County.
Charges Against Zoe Rosenberg
Rosenberg faced multiple charges during her trial, including:
- Felony conspiracy
- Misdemeanor counts of trespassing
- Misdemeanor count of tampering with a vehicle
Despite acknowledging her actions, Rosenberg defended her conduct as a rescue effort. She stated, “I will not apologize for taking sick, neglected animals to get medical care.” Following her conviction, she expressed pride in saving the chickens, which were named Poppy, Ivy, Aster, and Azalea. The birds have since been placed in an animal sanctuary.
Trial Details and Responses
The trial garnered significant attention as it revolved around the intersection of animal rights and legal boundaries. Rosenberg exited the court wearing an ankle monitor and addressed her supporters, who held signs advocating for animal rights.
Rosenberg’s lawyer, Chris Carraway, criticized the district attorney’s office for prioritizing corporate interests over animal welfare. He indicated plans to appeal the conviction, questioning the extensive resources spent on the case considering the value of the chickens involved.
Sentencing and Legal Implications
Rosenberg is set to be sentenced on December 3, facing up to 4.5 years in prison. District Attorney Carla Rodriguez highlighted that the verdict underscores the rule of law. “Personal beliefs don’t justify breaking the law,” she stated.
Corporate Response and Controversies
Petaluma Poultry, labeled by its critics as an extreme entity resistant to scrutiny, maintains that it does not mistreat animals. The company’s general counsel emphasized the importance of lawful protests while clarifying that Rosenberg’s actions were unlawful.
Petaluma Poultry operates under Perdue Farms and has weathered controversies previously, including the conviction of a co-founder of Direct Action Everywhere (DxE) for his involvement in protests against factory farming.
This case has sparked debates about animal rights activism, legal accountability, and corporate responsibility within the agricultural sector.
