A controversial ban on large livestock farms in Sonoma County appears headed for a major defeat as early results show 85% of voters reject Measure J.
The citizen initiative would have changed the nature of livestock farming in Sonoma County by phasing out or phasing out an estimated 21 animal farms, many of them old family-owned operations.
Opponents of Measure J included five city councils that passed resolutions against the measure. Both Sonoma County’s Democratic and Republican parties also opposed the measure. Supporters of the measure said the ordinance would prevent the growth of more concentrated animal feeding operations, or CAFOs.
The measure was initiated by the Coalition to End Factory Farming, a collection of animal rights groups that have been active in Sonoma County for years. This includes the group Direct Action Everywhere, which has a history of photo trespassing within feeding operations or removing animals.
On Friday, Sonoma County Judge Robert LaForge scheduled a May felony trial for 22-year-old Zoe Rosenberg, who is charged with removing four chickens from Perdue’s Petaluma Poultry slaughterhouse in June 2023. Her charges include felony conspiracy and three misdemeanors for trespassing and petty theft. and tampering with a vehicle. Direct Action Everywhere co-founder Wayne Hsiung was arrested last November on suspicion of trespassing on chicken and duck farms in 2018 and 2019.
The Coalition to End Factory Farming released a statement late Tuesday saying the “No to J” campaign was backed by industry giants like Perdue and that opponents were spreading misleading claims, such as the false claim that Measure J would close 60 organic dairy farms, despite the province having only 50 dairies.
“The ‘No on J’ campaign outpaced the ‘Yes on J’ campaign by an 8-to-1 ratio. They raised more than $2.2 million, with major contributions from Perdue and other factory farming companies, as well as from trade groups. “, the statement said.
The coalition is planning a protest on Saturday and a community discussion on November 15.
