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Animal Rights Activist Sentenced to Jail for Chicken Heist at Petaluma Poultry
Petaluma, CA – An animal rights activist who “liberated” four chickens from a local slaughterhouse is now facing jail time. Zoe Rosenberg, 23, received a 90-day jail sentence on Wednesday for her role in a coordinated incursion at Petaluma Poultry in 2023. She is expected to serve 30 days before becoming eligible for alternative sentencing for the remaining 60 days, according to the Sonoma County District Attorney’s office.
Rosenberg was convicted in November of felony conspiracy and three misdemeanors. Prosecutors stated that she and other members of the animal rights organization Direct Action Everywhere (DxE) “unlawfully” entered the facility, removed live chickens, stole business records, and interfered with commercial operations.
The District Attorney’s statement detailed a series of “unlawful entries” over two months in 2023, involving disguises, nighttime breaches through a cut fence, covert movement through secured areas, and the theft of internal business records. Additionally, tracking devices were reportedly placed on all twelve Petaluma Poultry transport trailers.
Rosenberg expressed concerns about receiving adequate medical care while incarcerated. In a statement released by DxE, she said, “I’m scared that in jail I won’t have access to the specific medical equipment and care I need, but even the possibility of dying in custody is less scary than the thought of ever giving up on the animals who desperately need help. I will never stop fighting for their rights and safety.”
Following her sentencing, Rosenberg also voiced remorse for the animals she could not save, as per a press release from the Animal Activist Legal Defense Project. “I am filled with remorse for every animal I have failed to save,” she stated.
In a social media video, Rosenberg indicated she would surrender to authorities on December 10th and mentioned a potential restitution fee exceeding $100,000, which will be subject to a further hearing.
Andrea Staub, a spokesperson for Petaluma Poultry, commented that the ruling affirms the rule of law. “This decision underscores the seriousness of Direct Action Everywhere’s actions and upholds the rule of law.
It affirms a basic truth: when you break the law, you’ll be held responsible,” Staub told ABC News. She added that DxE’s actions showed a “reckless disregard for employee safety, animal welfare, and food security.”
Rosenberg’s history of activism includes chaining herself to an NBA basketball hoop, dressing as a Chick-fil-A employee to raise awareness, and staging a satirical “dog BBQ” at UC Berkeley. In a TEDx Talk, she advocated for non-violent, consistent, and bold acts of protest to advance social causes. The chickens she rescued were named Poppy, Ivy, Aster, and Azalea.