A Student's Fight for Chickens: What Happened and Why It Matters

Zoe Rosenberg, a 23-year-old UC Berkeley student and animal rights advocate, recently found herself in hot water. She was convicted of several charges after freeing four chickens from a Sonoma County poultry farm. To her, it was a rescue mission. To the farm owners, it was theft. The trial was a big deal, catching the attention of both the poultry industry and animal rights groups. Rosenberg was found guilty of conspiracy, trespassing, and tampering with a vehicle. She could face up to five years behind bars. But Rosenberg isn't backing down. She's urging her supporters to keep fighting for animal rights, no matter what. Industry officials aren't happy with Rosenberg or her group, Direct Action Everywhere (DxE). They accuse the group of harassing workers and using illegal tactics to push their agenda. Prosecutors said Rosenberg planned the chicken rescue for weeks, using disguises, fake uniforms, and even an "Airbnb safe house. " The farm's general counsel, Herb Frerichs, made it clear: breaking the law isn't okay, no matter your beliefs. Sonoma County's District Attorney, Carla Rodriguez, agreed. She criticized DxE's tactics, saying activists can't just break the law to further their cause. Rosenberg admitted she helped create social media content to promote DxE's campaign against the poultry farm. Now, she's looking to appeal her conviction. DxE argues that Rosenberg's attorneys weren't allowed to present a "necessity defense, " which could have shown that her actions were meant to prevent greater harm. They also claim that evidence of animal cruelty wasn't allowed in the trial. DxE isn't new to this. In November 2023, co-founder Wayne Hsiung was sentenced to 90 days in jail for a similar incident. The Sonoma County Farm Bureau isn't happy with DxE's tactics, saying the community rejects their extreme methods. For now, Rosenberg is waiting for her sentencing hearing. She's been ordered to wear an ankle monitor until then. This case raises important questions about activism, the law, and where to draw the line.