Source: Rita Jane Gabbett, MEATINGPLACE, 10/1/18


Members of the organization Direct Action Everywhere, which promotes a vegan lifestyle, were arrested on Saturday after entering a poultry farm near Petaluma, Calif., taking chickens out of their barns and attempting to take them off the farm’s property.

The group live-streamed on Facebook what they called a “funeral procession” down a country road to the farm, then took some chickens they said needed medical attention. Event organizer Wayne Hsiung said the group believes that under California Penal Code 597e, they have the right to enter a facility and rescue animals that are being abused.

“Animal rights extremists — Direct Action Everywhere in particular — are becoming increasingly aggressive toward farms, retailers, plants and all facilities connected to meat production,” said Hannah Thompson-Weeman, vice president of communications for the Animal Agriculture Alliance, who also writes a blog published by Meatingplace. “It is an unfortunate reality that preparing to deal with stunts like this needs to be a part of your business plan if you are part of the meat industry. I suggest taking action now to review procedures and enact all feasible security measures, including cameras, fences, gates, locks and motion-sensor lighting.”

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