STRATFORD, Calif. — Four animal rights activists are facing felony charges after removing two young goats from Meyenberg’s Vera Goat Dairy in Stratford, Kings County, earlier this month. The incident, which involved allegations of animal neglect and prompted a swift response from law enforcement, has ignited a debate over the boundaries of animal advocacy and the rights of property owners. The core of the dispute centers on the activists’ claims that the goats, later named Celia and Phoebe, were suffering from untreated illnesses and living in substandard conditions.
The Kings County District Attorney’s Office has filed charges of felony grand theft, trespassing and conspiracy against Carla Cabral and three other individuals connected to Direct Action Everywhere (DxE), an international animal rights network known for its disruptive protests and investigations. The charges stem from the activists’ entry onto the dairy farm on April 11th and their subsequent removal of the two baby goats. The case highlights a growing tension between animal welfare concerns and legal protections afforded to agricultural businesses. This incident involving animal rescue at Meyenberg’s Vera Goat Dairy is part of a larger pattern of direct action by DxE activists across the country.
According to video footage released by DxE, the activists discovered Celia and Phoebe exhibiting signs of illness, including eye and nasal discharge and diarrhea. “They’re clearly not well and we got to get them out of here,” one activist is heard saying in the video. Another clip focuses on the urgency of providing medical care: “Eyes are bad, they have diarrhea, they got to get them medical care.” The group alleges that they had previously reported their concerns about the conditions at the dairy to authorities, but their complaints were not adequately addressed.
Four animal rights activists charged after taking “ill baby goats” from Stratford dairy. (Photo: Direct Action Everywhere)
Carla Cabral, a former emergency room veterinary technician, explained the group’s actions, stating, “I’m disappointed that so many resources are going to punish whistleblowers like myself, as opposed to holding facilities accountable for violations of animal welfare and public health issues.” Cabral, who is among those facing charges, argued that entering the property was a necessary intervention, driven by her professional background and a moral obligation to facilitate the animals. She further stated, “I believe that people care about the conditions that these animals are in and when you witness sick and dying neglected animals, I believe that I have the legal right and the moral right to take action.”
Allegations of Neglect and Prior Complaints
DxE claims to have documented broader issues at the Meyenberg’s facility, including the presence of dead animals and untreated infections. Cabral alleges that authorities dismissed their initial report regarding a “dead pile” of animals, only to discover evidence of it upon a subsequent visit. “We asked them to please look into the illegal dead pile. They responded that they went out, and they saw no deceased animals. So, we went back out the very next day and were able to show that the pile of dead animals was still there,” she said. Meyenberg’s has not yet publicly responded to these specific allegations.
Meyenberg’s Vera Goat Dairy, a family-owned business established in 1934, is a significant producer of goat milk products, including infant formula. Their website details their commitment to sustainable farming practices and animal welfare, though details regarding specific health protocols are not readily available. The company has not yet issued a formal statement regarding the charges or the allegations made by DxE.
Legal Perspectives and the Right to Protest
Kings County District Attorney Sarah Hacker maintains that the activists’ actions were unlawful, regardless of their motivations. “You can’t utilize your political beliefs to take action, that’s against the law. That’s where our office draws the line and that’s where we require to intervene, when someone deprives another person of their rights,” Hacker said, emphasizing the importance of respecting property rights. The charges against the activists carry a potential sentence of up to three years in county jail if convicted.
The case raises complex legal questions about the limits of civil disobedience and the extent to which individuals can intervene in situations they perceive as involving animal cruelty. Legal experts suggest that the activists’ defense will likely center on the argument that their actions were justified by the urgent need to protect the animals from harm, a concept known as the “necessity defense.” However, the success of such a defense is uncertain, as courts generally require a showing of imminent and serious harm, and typically prioritize property rights.
A Pattern of Direct Action
This incident is not isolated. DxE has been involved in numerous similar actions across the United States, often targeting farms and slaughterhouses. The group recently reported another incident involving the removal of dozens of dogs from a beagle breeding facility in Wisconsin, where participants likewise faced potential charges. Direct Action Everywhere advocates for what they call “open rescue,” arguing that animals have a right to freedom and that activists have a moral obligation to intervene on their behalf. The organization’s tactics have drawn both praise from animal welfare advocates and criticism from agricultural industry groups.
Cabral expressed her determination to fight the charges and bring attention to the conditions at the dairy. “I’m proud to have rescued these animals from abuse and to be their proxy until they’re given more legal rights,” she stated. The activists are scheduled to appear in Kings County Superior Court on May 16th for a preliminary hearing. The outcome of this case could have significant implications for future animal rights activism and the legal landscape surrounding farm animal welfare.
The next step in this case will be the preliminary hearing on May 16th, where a judge will determine if there is sufficient evidence to proceed to trial. Updates on the case will be available through the Kings County District Attorney’s Office and Direct Action Everywhere. We encourage readers to share their thoughts on this complex issue in the comments below.
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