Animal Activist Faces Legal Battle After Rescuing Chickens from Perdue Farms

Fri Dec 05 2025 08:58:36 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Zoe Rosenberg, a California animal rights activist, is on trial for allegedly rescuing four chickens from a Perdue Farms poultry plant, sparking discussions on animal welfare and legality.

Zoe Rosenberg, a 23-year-old animal rights activist, is on trial for taking four chickens from Petaluma Poultry, a supplier for Perdue Farms. Rosenberg claims her actions were motivated by concerns over animal cruelty, asserting a right to intervene when authorities fail to protect vulnerable animals. Prosecutors counter that her actions were illegal and part of a conspiracy for publicity. This highly publicized case shines a spotlight on the tension between animal rights activism and agricultural practices in California.

SANTA ROSA, Calif. (AP) — A significant trial is underway in California involving Zoe Rosenberg, a 23-year-old animal rights activist, who is facing legal consequences for her actions in rescuing four chickens from Petaluma Poultry, which supplies meat to Perdue Farms—one of the largest chicken producers in the United States.

Rosenberg has been charged with felony conspiracy, trespassing, and tampering with a vehicle. Throughout the seven-week trial, the defense has not disputed her actions of taking the chickens, namely Poppy, Ivy, Aster, and Azalea, but is contesting the motivations driving her conduct.

How the Chickens Were Taken

Rosenberg testified that she disguised herself as a plant worker, using a fake badge, as she entered the facility with the intent of rescuing the chickens, whom she deemed to be enduring abuse. A video documenting her actions was shared on social media, underlining her belief that legal consequences were unfounded when it comes to rescuing suffering animals.

“These chickens were incredibly ill and they needed care,” Rosenberg explained. “When an animal is in distress—when authorities aren’t stepping in—I think we do have the legal right to help them ourselves.”

During the trial, supporters of Rosenberg adorned themselves with paper orange poppies to represent one of the chickens, symbolizing their solidarity.

Defense Lawyers and Prosecutors Clash on Intent

Rosenberg's attorney asserted that her actions stemmed from compassion rather than unlawful intent. However, prosecutors claim her actions were more concerned with gaining publicity for the animal rights group Direct Action Everywhere (DxE), to which Rosenberg has belonged since her childhood. They argue that the operation was planned and not an isolated rescue attempt.

Petaluma Poultry has denounced DxE as an extremist group, asserting that their claims of animal mistreatment are unfounded. The company refuted allegations of cruelty, emphasizing that the chickens were well cared for.

Rosenberg’s defense made a case that she had done her research prior to the chicken rescue, noting consultations with veterinarians regarding images of animal conditions.

Sonoma County’s Tough Stance

Sonoma County is known for its strict enforcement when it comes to animal rights activists, with prior prosecutions creating an environment where these activists are often battling legal repercussions for their missions. This has raised concerns about the balance between animal welfare activism and legal repercussions faced for attempting to intervene.

Rosenberg's journey underscores the tension in contemporary animal rights activism. She argues that efforts like hers redirect attention to issues of animal cruelty that remain pervasive in agriculture. Despite potential imprisonment, she remains steadfast in her convictions and aims to elevate the conversation surrounding animal welfare.