Perdue Foods’ Petaluma Poultry division has filed a lawsuit against animal rights group Direct Action Everywhere (DxE), alleging that the organization engaged in harassment and violated the privacy of one of its employees and his family.
The complaint, submitted on April 4 to the California Superior Court in Sonoma County, requests injunctive relief after DxE allegedly carried out actions at the associate’s private residence that the company described as both alarming and illegal.
According to Petaluma Poultry, the targeted employee is a key witness in an upcoming criminal case involving DxE member Zoe Rosenberg. Rosenberg is facing charges connected to an unlawful entry into a Petaluma Poultry facility in 2024. Her trial is expected to begin in May. In the weeks leading up to the trial, the company claims that the employee, along with his family and neighbors, has been subjected to continuous intimidation and disruptions.
The poultry division emphasized its commitment to the safety and security of its workers and their families. It stated that the legal action was a necessary step to uphold those values.
Petaluma Poultry operates organic, free-range chicken farms throughout Sonoma County and maintains a feed mill and processing operations in Petaluma. The company promotes sustainable agricultural practices and prioritizes animal welfare in its operations.
While the company expressed support for public discussion on animal treatment, it stated that DxE’s recent tactics do not align with constructive engagement and are seen as extreme and counterproductive.
Support for Petaluma Poultry’s legal action has come from multiple agricultural organizations. These groups have pointed to what they describe as a pattern of aggressive behavior by DxE toward farms and individuals in the region. They highlighted a past campaign by DxE to shut down local farming through the Measure J ballot initiative, which was decisively rejected by voters. Industry leaders also defended Petaluma Poultry’s animal welfare practices and criticized the activist group for what they believe are misleading and disruptive actions.
