Sixty seven animal rights protesters were arrested this afternoon at McCoys Poultry Services in Petaluma. At approximately 1:30 pm, the Sheriff’s Office received multiple 911 calls regarding trespassers on the property of the McCoys Poultry Services, located in the 100 block of Jewett Road in Petaluma. It was reported that numerous animal rights activists had stormed the property, broken into several buildings and were actively taking chickens.
Upon arrival, deputies were met by approximately 200 protesters conducting a coordinated protest on the roadway and within the poultry business. Initial responding deputies entered the property and were confronted by approximately 70 protesters, who were wearing white protective clothing, many whom were carrying chickens they had stolen from within buildings on the property. Deputies also learned that the owner and an employee of the company had been assaulted by a protester during the event. Due to the amount of protesters on the property and on the street in front of the business, approximately 40 deputies responded to assist, along with the Sheriff’s helicopter.
During the event, deputies were able to locate detain 67 protesters on the property. Due to the large amount of protesters, the Sheriff’s Office transportation bus responded to the scene, along with Sonoma County Animal Control to take possession of the chickens, which had been stolen from the business.
Over the next 4 hours, deputies arrested the protesters whom had entered the property. They 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.
Prepared by: Lieutenant Shawn Murphy
Media Inquiries: 707-565-3941
CR:180929-014
