Breaking! 500 Activists Participate In DxE’s Mass Open Rescue At Sunrise Farms In California; 40 Arrested For Trying To Save Sick Hens

Photos from Bay City News Service

More than 500 activists with the grassroots animal rights network Direct Action Everywhere (DxE) executed a vigil and sit-in inside an industrial shed at Sunrise Farms in Petaluma yesterday, citing grisly undercover footage of rotting birds at the cage-free egg supplier to Amazon and Whole Foods.

The activists, who entered one of the industrial sheds to document deplorable conditions and demand the transfer of the sick and injured animals to the city shelter, claimed they had the right to enter the facility as per a legal opinion by a criminal law scholar.

Petaluma authorities disagreed, arresting 40 activists in biosecurity suits during a dramatic but peaceful confrontation inside a massive industrial shed.

“Americans do not want to see animals exploited in our food system,” former Northwestern law professor and DxE co-founder Wayne Hsiung said in a statement, noting the action they took was a result of inaction by corporate and government when it comes to animal cruelty. “When we have gone to authorities or corporations like Amazon with absolutely horrific footage of cruelty, no action has been taken.”

DxE

Hsiung, who faces up to 60 years in prison for prior investigative work at Smithfield Foods hog farm in Utah, was among the hundreds of people who walked onto the farm, holding flowers in their hands.

“When Americans see what’s happening behind the doors of factory farms, they know it’s against their values,” explained Hsiung. “But as long as corporations control our food system, including sending whistleblowers to prison, we won’t have a food system with integrity. Yesterday’s action will chip away at their power.”

“These birds are living creatures, not things, but Amazon and other major retailers treat them like commodities,” continued DxE lead investigator Priya Sawhney. “Whether it’s foie gras, fur, or factory farms, Amazon is shipping cruelty into millions of households across the world.”

DxE is calling for Amazon and local government officials to take immediate action to provide transparency in the sale of meat.

Sadly, only 37 chickens were removed and taken to receive veterinary care during yesterday’s event.

DxE is urging people to call the Petaluma Police Department at (707) 784-4372 and request that they release the animals who are being abused at Sunrise Farms in Petaluma, CA!