Zoe Gets Crossed!
Prosecuted for Rescuing Chickens!
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1h 0m
As the nationally watched Chicken Rescue Trial barrels toward its climax, the prosecutor’s cross-examination of defendant Zoe Rosenberg is turning into an animal rights greatest hits playlist.
The 23-year old UC Berkeley undergrad is facing half a decade behind bars, charged with felony conspiracy and several misdemeanors for rescuing 4 chickens, whom she said were very sick, from a Northern California slaughterhouse. It’s a case that’s turned into a national debate over how animals are treated in industrialized animal agriculture. The company calls the chicken rescue agro-terrorism. Activists counter with accusations that animals are being terrorized behind closed doors. UnchainedTV is now calling for LIVE cameras in all California slaughterhouses and factory farms, broadcasting conditions to the world to settle the contradictory characterizations.
Over the vigorous objections of Rosenberg’s defense attorney, the judge is allowing prosecutors to introduce a slew of the defendant’s previous animal rights protests, notably when she interrupted an NBA playoff game by chaining herself to the basketball post. The defense calls this highly prejudicial.
Meanwhile, Rosenberg says she spotted the Sonoma County District Attorney in the back of the courtroom, noting that - despite murders and other serious crimes being within the DA’s purview - that top official chose to attend a trial over the rescue of 4 chickens, leading observers to conclude this trial is really about defending powerful agricultural interests and attempting to silence animal rights.
The corporation denies the cruelty allegations, including claims by the defendant that chickens are sometimes boiled alive. The company, which says it maintains high animal welfare standards, is invited on any time to respond further.
Now, UnchainedTV’s Jane Velez-Mitchell leads an expert panel and reporter Matthew Zirbel LIVE at the courthouse.