Perdue takes legal action against animal-rights group DxE

Petaluma Poultry, a division of Perdue Foods, has taken legal steps to protect the privacy and safety of an associate and his family following what the company says is repeated harassment and privacy violations by the animal-rights group Direct Action Everywhere.

On Friday, the company filed a complaint for injunctive relief with the California Superior Court in Sonoma County after Perdue said that DxE targeted the associate, who is a material witness in a case involving DxE operative Zoe Rosenberg. Rosenberg faces criminal charges related to illegally entering a Petaluma Poultry facility in 2024.

DxE has been harassing the associate, his family, and neighbors ahead of Rosenberg’s trial in May, according to the court filing. The company’s legal filing aims to address such disruptions and protect the privacy of those involved.

Julie Katigan, Chief Human Resources Officer for Perdue Farms, emphasized the company’s commitment to both free speech and the safety of its associates.

“Perdue Farms fully supports the right to free speech and peaceful protest. However, there is a clear line between lawful advocacy and repeated, unlawful intimidation tactics. Everyone deserves to feel safe in their own home, without fear of harassment or disruption,” Katigan said.

Katigan argues that the methods employed by DxE go beyond what is acceptable for constructive conversation. “While we welcome open and honest discussion about the welfare of animals, we strongly oppose the extreme tactics used by DxE. These are not the actions of an organization seeking constructive dialogue.”

The alleged actions of DxE have raised concerns in the agricultural community. Abby Kornegay, Director of Issues and Engagement for Animal Agriculture Alliance, noted that the group has consistently engaged in criminal activities that put animal health, employee safety, and food security at risk.

“Direct Action Everywhere is an animal rights extremist organization, founded with the agenda of ‘destroying’ or ‘canceling’ animal agriculture. The organization is actively demanding ‘animal liberation,’” Kornegay stated, adding that DxE provides training on interacting with law enforcement and preparing for legal cases.

Local agricultural leaders have also expressed concern over DxE’s activities in Sonoma County. Dayna Ghirardelli, CEO of the Sonoma County Farm Bureau, condemned the group’s tactics.

“DxE continues to harass a local man and his family making an honest living working for a business that contributes greatly to our food supply,” Ghirardelli said. “Their actions are disruptive and misleading, and they undermine the work of local farmers and ranchers who support the community’s food security.”

Bill Mattos, President of the California Poultry Federation, also defended Petaluma Poultry’s commitment to animal care.

“Petaluma Poultry has long been a leader in free-range and organic poultry, and they’re known for taking great care of their birds,” Mattos said. “The claims being made by DxE do not reflect the reality of the work Petaluma and its employees do every day.”