SANTA ROSA, Calif. (PulseWire) — Zoe Rosenberg, a 23-year-old animal rights activist, is facing trial after she took four chickens from a Perdue Farms facility, alleging she was rescuing them from abuse. The legal consequences could lead to over five years in prison if convicted on felony conspiracy and misdemeanor charges.
Rosenberg's defense centers on her intent, arguing she believed the chickens were suffering and needed assistance. These chickens were incredibly ill and they needed care, she stated. During the trial, she testified about disguising herself as an employee to gain access to the facility, sharing video evidence of her actions with the public.
On the trial's final day, dozens of supporters showed their solidarity by wearing paper poppies, referencing the names of the chickens she rescued—Poppy, Ivy, Aster, and Azalea. Her defense attorney portrayed her actions as altruistic and driven by a genuine concern for the chickens' welfare.
In their argument, prosecutors labeled her actions as illegal, suggesting it was a publicity stunt for her affiliations with Direct Action Everywhere (DxE), an activist group known for controversial animal rights protests. They claimed her entry into the facility was not isolated, but part of a coordinated effort that included tampering with company vehicles and triggering a facility shutdown.
Rosenberg’s trial occurs in Sonoma County, which has historically been tough on animal rights activists. Previous similar cases have resulted in severe penalties, highlighting the intersection of activism and agriculture in the region. The outcome of Rosenberg’s case may set significant precedents for future animal rights activism in California.
Rosenberg has stated, An immense amount of government resources have been spent prosecuting me for the alleged ‘crime’ of rescuing four abused chickens from a Perdue slaughterhouse. With the trial ongoing, the balance of public sentiment remains split as supporters advocate for animal rights while critics caution against the legality of such activist tactics.
