Animal Activist Sentenced To Three Months In Jail For Open Rescue

Animal activist Wayne Hsiung has been sentenced to 90 days in jail and two years probation for openly rescuing injured and dying animals. Hsiung was found guilty of felony conspiracy and misdemeanor trespass for liberating 70 birds from two farms in Sonoma County. He argued for the “necessity defense” to justify his actions but was blocked from discussing the conditions of the animals at the farms during the trial.

Hsiung is a co-founder of Direct Action Everywhere (DxE) and has previously been acquitted for animal rescues. Despite the sentencing, DxE activists continue to document animal cruelty at the farms where the rescue took place, emphasizing the need for open rescue to challenge animal cruelty. Hsiung reaffirmed the power of non-violent direct action in his blog posts from jail and remains dedicated to educating others on veganism and animal rights.