Early Release For Jailed Animal Rights Activist Zoe Rosenberg

HEALDSBURG, CA — Animal rights activist Zoe Rosenberg is expected to be released from the Sonoma County jail halfway through a 30-day jail sentence.

Instead of jail, Rosenberg will serve the remaining days of the sentence on house arrest, according to the Berkeley protest group, Direct Action Everywhere.

She is to be released on Wednesday, on California's half-time, good-behavior credits, the organization’s spokesperson, Cassie King, said in an email.

A jury found Rosenberg guilty of felony conspiracy and three misdemeanors for taking four chickens from the Petaluma Poultry slaughterhouse. On Dec. 3, a judge ordered her to serve 30 days in jail, then complete 60 days in a jail-alternative program, followed by two years of probation.

Rosenberg, a 23-year-old student at the University of California, Berkeley, turned herself in on Dec. 10 to begin serving the 30-day sentence at the Sonoma County Main Adult Detention Facility.

The release comes a week after Direct Action Everywhere organized marches and a campaign calling on Gov. Gavin Newsom to release Rosenberg early.

Rosenberg's parents and supporters said the jail sentence could be life-threatening because she suffers from severe health issues, including Type 1 diabetes and gastroparesis (a chronic condition causing abdominal pain and digestion difficulties) for which Rosenberg uses an insulin pump and feeding tube.

King said the jail allowed Rosenberg to keep her medical equipment needed as a result of diabetes and gastroparesis, which requires her to carry an insulin pump and to wear a feeding tube, but restricted her to remaining alone in her cell because of it. The jail also restricted Rosenberg's access to glucose, which she needs to treat low blood sugar extremes, King said.

The group said Rosenberg was isolated from other inmates because of the medical devices — in exchange for keeping her equipment, she was kept apart from other inmates.

King said Rosenberg will not be allowed visitors during her house arrest and will be restricted to her apartment, except for two hours every week, strictly for grocery shopping.

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