Editors Note: The South Pasadenan reached out to Traders Joes Corporate, and the named Chicken Supplier in California, as well as Purdue – the Parent Company of the Poultry Farm named in the suite: There was no response. It worth nothing that, while the news team was not able to followup with recent updates, the primary animal cruelty complaint against Petaluma Farms in California from DxE was six year ago, in 2018.
Media Release: DxE Protest at Trader Joe’s South Pasadena, Fair Oaks.
Animal rights activists with Direct Action Everywhere (DxE) disrupted the Trader Joe’s store at 1129 Fair Oaks Avenue on Sunday afternoon, urging the grocery chain to sever ties with Petaluma Poultry, a California subsidiary of Perdue Farms accused of severe animal cruelty.
The South Pasadena protest was part of a nationwide weekend of action at more than two dozen Trader Joe’s stores across major cities including Los Angeles, San Diego, Chicago, and Washington, D.C.
Activists Call Out Alleged Animal Abuse and Health Risks
Activists gathered outside the store, forming an “energy circle” before entering the premises where they lined up in front of the meat section, chanting and delivering speeches to customers. Demonstrators held signs with messages such as “Drop Petaluma Poultry” and directed customers to PerdueAbuse.com for more information.
Following the in-store demonstration, activists handed out leaflets and continued chants outside the store, which is located near the site of the first-ever Trader Joe’s in Pasadena and the company’s Monrovia headquarters.
Nationwide Action Highlights Ongoing Criticism of Petaluma Poultry
DxE organizers said the protest was part of a larger campaign to pressure Trader Joe’s to end its partnership with Petaluma Poultry, citing years of alleged animal cruelty violations at its Sonoma County facilities.
“I was there to let people know that the cruelty at Petaluma Poultry is above and beyond the typical level in factory farms,” said protester David Bailey of Alhambra. “I want a business that I grew up shopping in to stop supporting such a terrible farm.”
Investigations Reveal Disturbing Conditions and Pathogen Risks
DxE investigators have documented multiple violations of California’s animal cruelty laws at Petaluma Poultry farms since 2018. Reports describe birds collapsed on the floor, unable to walk or reach food and water, and suffering from necrotic wounds.
Sonoma County’s Animal Services Department has referred at least one Petaluma Poultry farm for animal cruelty prosecution following disturbing findings in rescued birds.
Additionally, USDA reports show the Petaluma Poultry slaughterhouse has four times the national rate of campylobacter and four times the state rate of salmonella—pathogens that pose serious health risks to humans, according to The Press Democrat.
Legal Actions Against DxE Investigator
DxE investigator Zoe Rosenberg is currently facing one felony and four misdemeanor charges after she openly rescued four suffering birds from Petaluma Poultry’s slaughterhouse in June 2023.
Ongoing Pressure on Trader Joe’s
Trader Joe’s customers and activists have long called on the retailer to cut ties with Petaluma Poultry, citing animal welfare concerns and public health risks. DxE and supporters plan to continue their campaign until the chain responds to their demands.
