SANTA ROSA, CALIFORNIA – Any of us with memories stretching back to 2005 may recall the opening theme of the claymation classic film Chicken Run. The film tells the story of British chickens attempting to escape from a maniacal farmer and her henpecked husband. Loosely based on the iconic film The Great Escape, Chicken Run presents a light-hearted view of deeper problems.
What do anthropomorphic chickens have to do with a college student from Berkeley who grew up in the Bay Area? On the surface, nothing at all. Yet, the idea of taking the law into one’s hands is a relevant theme. It’s real. Zoe is facing real consequences – some say justly while others protest the verdict.
Gathering
Born in 2002, Rosenberg grew up in a household dedicated to various causes. Her mother, Sherstin Rosenberg, is a veterinarian who instilled a love of animals in Zoe. Rosenberg’s father, Louis Rosenberg, is an entrepreneur in the tech industry and has written several books, covering AI development and “immersive media.”
Zoe’s clash with law enforcement began in 2014. At the age of 14, she was arrested during a live broadcast of the LA Dodgers baseball game. Rosenberg disrupted the game in a “pitch invasion” by rushing the field, protesting the meat used in the concession stand’s hot-dogs. According to news reports, Rosenberg continued being vocal across California.
Pattern
During an interview in 2022, Zoe recounted her experience of being arrested again in Memphis, Tennessee, during a Timberwolves basketball game. She wished to draw attention to the team’s owner, Glen Taylor, for alleged cruelty to chickens on his egg factory farm.
“I actually chained my neck to the basketball hoop at a Timberwolves game in Memphis, Tennessee,” Zoe said during the podcast. “And I was arrested and taken to the Memphis jail, but it was all worth it because we were able to get the word out about what happened even more.”
Why Chickens?
In a letter to the editor in the LA Times, Jack Debes said, “These highly inbred animals are completely incapable of living in the wild. They are unable to feed themselves or protect themselves from all manner of predators. If these activists achieved their goal, the species would quickly go extinct.”
Debes referred to Rosenberg and fellow activists as “vigilantes.” However, Debes did mention the need for conservation of endangered species. Surviving in the wild is part of nature’s cycle, according to the comments.
The four chickens in question – Poppy, Ivy, Astrid, and Azalea – all suffered from an alleged parasite infection, and were removed to the sanctuary founded by Rosenberg and her mother. Rosenberg claims that her activist group investigated Petaluma Poultry beginning in 2018. Cramped conditions, dirty cages, and lack of proper veterinary care comprised the bulk of the investigation.
Attorney Thoughts
Chris Carraway, Rosenberg’s attorney, said the district attorney’s office “was ignoring criminal animal cruelty.” He plans to appeal the verdict.
“Sonoma County spent over six weeks and hundreds of thousands of taxpayer dollars to protect a multi-billion-dollar corporation from the rescue of four chickens worth less than $25,” Carraway said in a recent statement.
Rosenberg’s supporters donated funds to help her, especially in light of her hospital stay. She suffers from Type 1 Diabetes and Gastroparesis, a stomach disorder prohibiting proper digestion. In a Facebook post from August, Rosenberg wrote, “Nerve damage has left my stomach partially paralyzed, meaning it is unable to digest food properly. This is not likely to be reversible, &, in fact, it is possible it will worsen over time.
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The Mission
Direct Action Everywhere, otherwise known as “DxE,” officially launched its rescue mission in the spring of 2023. Zoe and her supporters entered the grounds Petaluma Poultry in broad daylight and proceeded to take four chickens from a large truck.
“They’re just, really packed in there. And I opened up one crate and, you know, when we do open rescues, we generally try to rescue animals who particularly need help,” Zoe said, explaining the events.
In fact, Rosenberg said officials at the site only knew about the daring exploit because “DxE” publicized the action. Wayne Hsiung, previous leader of “DxE” and activist, was arrested later in 2023, leading Rosenberg to believe her connection was discovered at that time. Until her trial, Zoe wore an ankle monitor and had to report once a week. She was also banned from certain properties and from “rescuing” any animals.
For nearly a month, the prosecution and defense teams argued and presented their case in court. Testimonies were heard. Evidence was shown. In spite of health challenges, Rosenberg said she remained hopeful of the jury acquitting her. Her legal team sought to represent why she took action, although the “necessity defense” option was banned by the judge.
Uncertain Days
“It was pretty cut and dry,” said an anonymous juror after the guilty verdict. “We read through and discussed (the charges) and we all seemed to be in agreement with the verdict.” Since Rosenberg’s conviction on October 29, she faces a possible five year prison sentence.
According to The Press Democrat, Zoe remained silent as the verdict was delivered – her attorney placed a hand on her back in an act of comfort. “I will not apologize for taking sick, neglected animals to get medical care,” Rosenberg told reporters after the trial. “Because I did, Poppy, Ivy, Aster and Azalea are alive today. For that, I will never be sorry.”
The ankle monitor was “reinstalled,” and she will wear it until the sentencing hearing, scheduled for December 3. Through tears, Rosenberg said she thinks of animals still suffering and who will advocate for them.
Deputy District Attorney Matthew Hobson said Rosenberg’s actions were a “stunt” to gain publicity. Hobson reiterated that the law should never be taken into one’s hands.
Rosenberg’s story presents a unique situation not only in jurisprudence but also in the court of public opinion. Yet, regardless of the opinion, the fate of a college student hangs in the balance.
