Animal Rescuer Zoe Rosenberg found guilty of saving 4 sick and injured chickens from a slaughterhouse in California may get a 5 years a prison sentence

 

UPDATE! In a devastating blow to animal welfare, Zoe Rosenberg, an animal rescuer and investigator with Direct Action Everywhere (DxE), has been found guilty of felony conspiracy and three misdemeanors for saving four sick and injured chickens from Perdue’s Petaluma Poultry slaughterhouse. The conviction carries a potential sentence of nearly five years in jail, a staggering punishment for an act of compassion.

While Zoe now faces years behind bars, Perdue’s Petaluma Poultry walks free despite documented evidence of animals left to die slowly, trapped in filth, or scalded alive in boiling water. The very cruelty that sparked Zoe’s rescue was barred from the jury’s full view, leaving them to judge her actions without the context of the suffering she sought to end.

Represented by Chris Carraway of the Animal Activist Legal Defense Project and attorney Kevin Little, Zoe plans to appeal her conviction, challenging the court’s refusal to allow her a necessity defense, the argument that her actions were justified to prevent greater harm. The defense was also severely limited in presenting animal cruelty evidence, an omission that silenced the animals’ suffering at the heart of this case.

For the animal welfare movement, the verdict is both a devastating blow and a rallying cry. A young woman may soon sit in prison for saving the lives of animals, while those who inflict industrial-scale animal cruelty remain shielded by law and profit. Around the world, supporters mourn the injustice and brace for the long fight ahead, to bring compassion back into this fallen world.

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September 16th: Zoe Rosenberg, a dedicated animal rescuer and investigator with Direct Action Everywhere (DxE), is facing the fight of her life. On Monday, September 15th, the Perdue Rescue Trial began at the Sonoma County Superior Court in Santa Rosa, California. Rosenberg stands accused of rescuing four sick and injured chickens from Perdue’s Petaluma Poultry slaughterhouse. If convicted, she could face nearly five years in jail.

Despite the significance of this case, all media has been denied access to the courtroom. However, daily Court Watch summaries will be posted on DxE’s blog, with updates also shared on the Perdue Rescue Trial X account, DxE’s Instagram, and UnchainedTV’s live panel discussions. Supporters are encouraged to attend the trial in person by signing up HERE!

On June 13th, 2023, Rosenberg rescued four chickens, Poppy, Ivy, Aster, and Azalea, who were suffering inside the slaughterhouse. She publicly announced the rescue that same day, yet was not arrested until November 30th. In December, prosecutors placed her under the strictest level of pre-trial release, including a GPS ankle monitor, warrantless searches, and severe travel restrictions.

Originally charged with multiple felonies, Rosenberg now faces one count of felony conspiracy, two misdemeanor trespass charges, and one misdemeanor for allegedly tampering with a chicken transport truck. Her defense is being led by Chris Carraway of the Animal Activist Legal Defense Project, while Sonoma County prosecutors Matthew Hobson and Jessalee Mills pursue the case under District Attorney Carla Rodriguez.

Before the rescue, Rosenberg and other DxE activists repeatedly reported graphic evidence of criminal animal cruelty at Perdue’s Petaluma Poultry facility to law enforcement, the USDA, and local agencies. These included birds trapped on their backs without food or water and birds with bloody wounds. Authorities took no action. For Rosenberg, this case isn’t about denying what she did, it’s about explaining why.

“On the first day of my trial, the judge ruled that my ankle monitor might prejudice the jury and ordered that I can have it removed. This comes after nearly two years of being electronically monitored by the government. I will likely be getting it off sometime today,” shared Zoe Rosenberg on her social media.

“The judge also ruled that we will sadly not be allowed to present or discuss evidence of animal cruelty at the factory farms that supply chickens to Perdue’s Petaluma Poultry slaughterhouse. He struck some of our witnesses, including Lewis Bernier and Eva Hamer,” continued Rosenberg. “However, he decided that we can tell the jury about the conditions the rescued chickens were in and potentially even present their veterinary records. Animal caretaker Carla Cabral will be allowed to testify.”

Today, Poppy, Ivy, Aster, and Azalea are thriving at an undisclosed animal sanctuary, living the lives they were almost denied, thanks to the devoted care of their caretaker, Carla Cabral.

Pre-trial motions on Monday shaped key aspects of the trial. While the judge limited testimony about earlier investigations and other facilities, Rosenberg will be able to explain how those investigations influenced her beliefs, including a previous case where law enforcement allowed the rescue of a single injured bird named Rose.

This case will test not only Rosenberg’s freedom but also whether rescuing sick and injured animals will be seen as a crime or as an act of compassion. As the trial continues, the world will be watching to see whether the law sides with suffering or with mercy.

World Animal News