Activist convicted after 'rescuing' chickens at Perdue site

An animal rights activist and UC Berkeley student has been convicted after releasing four chickens from a Sonoma County poultry facility — a caper she characterized as a rescue mission, but farm owners said was common theft.

- BY SALVADOR HERNANDEZ

TERRY CHEA Associated Press

ZOE ROSENBERG, 23, was found guilty of releasing four chickens from a Sonoma County poultry facility.

In a trial closely monitored by the poultry industry and animal rights groups, Zoe Rosenberg, 23, was found guilty last week of a felony charge of conspiracy, two misdemeanor counts of trespass and one count of tampering with a vehicle.

She faces a possible sentence of up to five years. But she urged animal rights supporters not to let her conviction interrupt their activism.

"Prosecutors hope that this will deter people from speaking up for animals, that it will deter people from rescuing them," Rosenberg said in an Instagram video after the verdict was read. "I ask that you do not let it. We will continue on, no matter what, until every animal is safe and happy, free."

Industry officials contend that activist groups associated with Rosenberg harassed workers and poultry companies, trying to draw attention to their cause and using illegal action in the process.