Will Serve Remainder of Sentence Under House Arrest
BERKELEY, Calif. — Animal rights activist Zoe Rosenberg, 23, was released from Sonoma County Jail on December 24 and will complete the remainder of her sentence under court-ordered house arrest, according to county records and court filings.
Rosenberg began serving a 90-day sentence on December 10 following her conviction for felony conspiracy and multiple misdemeanor charges stemming from a 2023 action at Petaluma Poultry, a poultry slaughter facility owned by Perdue Farms. The case involved the removal of four live chickens from the facility, which Rosenberg and her supporters described as a rescue.
Under California’s good-behavior credit system, Rosenberg served approximately two weeks in jail before being released early. She is now confined to her Berkeley apartment under house arrest, with limited permission to leave only for essential activities such as grocery shopping. Court conditions prohibit visitors and place her under continued supervision.
Sentence and Conviction Background
In October, a Sonoma County jury found Rosenberg guilty of conspiring with others to unlawfully enter the facility and remove animals. Prosecutors argued the action constituted trespass, theft, and interference with business operations. The defense maintained the chickens were visibly suffering and required immediate care.
A judge later sentenced Rosenberg to 90 days in county custody, followed by probation. The sentence also included financial restitution to the facility, covering costs associated with the 2023 incident.
Medical Considerations
Rosenberg’s incarceration drew attention due to her medical conditions, which include Type 1 diabetes and gastroparesis. These conditions require ongoing medical management and specialized equipment. While incarcerated, she was permitted to retain necessary medical devices and was housed separately to accommodate her health needs.
Advocates raised concerns about the challenges of managing chronic illness in a jail environment, citing the physical and logistical strain of incarceration under such conditions.
Public Response and Ongoing Implications
The case has drawn national attention and sparked ongoing debate over the role of civil disobedience in animal advocacy. Supporters argue Rosenberg’s actions exposed conditions inside industrial animal facilities and reflect a broader ethical challenge to animal exploitation. Prosecutors and industry representatives have emphasized the importance of enforcing existing laws governing property and facility access.
Although Rosenberg is no longer in jail, her sentence continues under house arrest and probation. The case remains closely watched by both supporters and critics, as it highlights unresolved legal and ethical questions surrounding animal rescue actions, protest, and the limits of lawful dissent.
The Humane Herald 