67 Arrested After Protesting Chicken Business In Sonoma County

PETALUMA, CA -- Nearly 70 animal rights protesters were arrested Saturday afternoon in Petaluma for allegedly trespassing and burglarizing a poultry business. Sonoma County Sheriff's Office said the incident was reported around 1:30 p.m. at McCoys Poultry Services in the 100 block of Jewett Road, prompting the response of 40 deputies.

Arriving deputies found roughly 200 protesters conducting a coordinated protest on the roadway and within the poultry business. Some of the protesters were carrying chickens taken from the business, the Sheriff's Office said in a press release.

The Sheriff's Office also said the owner and employee were assaulted by a protester.

The investigation resulted in 67 people arrested who were booked into the Sonoma County Jail for misdemeanor trespassing, felony burglary and felony conspiracy. One of the protesters was also arrested for assaulting the owner and employee. Their bail is set at $20,000.00, the Sherrif's Office said.

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