Closing Arguments in Case of DxE Operative Charged with Conspiracy, Trespassing, Tampering; Jury Deliberations to Begin at 10am Tomorrow

Defendant Zoe Rosenberg faces felony and misdemeanor charges in Sonoma County Superior Court case

Petaluma, Calif. — After three weeks of jury selection and three weeks of testimony in the People v. Zoe Louise Rosenberg case, prosecutors and defense attorneys made their closing arguments in Sonoma County Superior Court today, as the jury considers a felony conspiracy charge and misdemeanor tampering and trespassing charges against Zoe Rosenberg, a case that could have lasting impacts to animal agriculture and animal activism.

After jury instructions filled the morning session in Judge Kenneth Gnoss’ courtroom at the Sonoma County Superior Courthouse today, the prosecution laid a strong foundation for the basis of the charges, and the evidence substantiating the prosecution’s claims to support a conviction on all charges. Prosecutors reminded jurors that:

• The case is not about freedom of speech, beliefs, protesting, or even factory farming; rather, it is about Zoe Rosenberg’s state of mind – believing in something so strongly, that the law did not apply to her. 

• The theft of chickens and series of break-ins at Petaluma Poultry was staged for publicity. 

• Defense witnesses were all affiliated with Direct Action Everywhere (DxE), expressed biases against animal agriculture, and had inconsistencies in their testimony, including the Defendant's own testimony. 

• June 13, 2023 – the day chickens were stolen from Petaluma Poultry and livestreamed on social media aligned with DxE’s Animal Liberation Conference, and fit a pattern of animal thefts by DxE at other poultry farms. 

“The prosecution made a compelling case to support Zoe Rosenberg’s conviction on all counts,” said Jennifer Beretta, a spokesperson for the Sonoma County Family Farmers Alliance who is also part of a multi-generational organic farming family. “The information revealed during this trial plays out like something you only see in the movies – fake badges, disguises, hidden cameras and GPS tracking devices. The defense chalked it all up to ‘rescuing a sick chicken,’ yet the pattern of criminal conduct was much broader and more elaborate – accessing and disseminating confidential business and employee records, five facility break-ins, and a video that shows an indiscriminate, rather than targeted, theft of chickens. This all occurred at the same time as a DxE animal liberation conference – not by chance, but by choice, as the Defendant planned and led a wide-ranging conspiracy.”

Poultry is part of DxE’s ongoing intimidation campaign to eliminate animal agriculture in Sonoma County. The defendant’s reckless actions include:

• Breaking into chicken houses under cover of darkness to steal livestock, recklessly jeopardizing biosecurity and animal health.

• Accessing company data and privileged information through private computer systems.

• Harassing associates and their families at private residences.

• Disrupting businesses and restaurants across Northern California.

Petaluma Poultry is a recognized leader in free-range and organic poultry, with farms and facilities subject to rigorous audits and government oversight. The company remains united with its associates and neighbors against these illegal tactics and will continue to defend the region’s food supply, the importance of local agriculture, and the future of responsible animal farming.

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Media Contact: rob@muelrathpublicaffairs.com