Soon the state will be presenting evidence against Priya Sawhney regarding an alleged “conspiracy” to burglarize and steal animals from some of the largest factory farms in the U.S., including Petaluma Poultry – the largest organic poultry producer in the nation. 

All of the animals from Petaluma Poultry were unable to stand. Some had rotting, gaping wounds, including some so deep and necrotic that we could see their exposed bone. This was verified by the state’s own veterinarian, yet instead of charging the company, one of the largest in Sonoma County, California, the government has come after Priya and others (including me) for setting up a veterinary tent and giving the animals care. 

The comic book villainy in this case would almost be funny if it didn’t have dire consequences. First, Priya and I face felony charges and potentially years in prison. But second, and more importantly, the government’s response here shows how the industry and government are acting to manipulate the public – what Priya calls “projection” – into supporting practices that, if they saw them first hand, would inspire outrage and horror. 

But the projection goes deeper than that. Because it’s not just lies about facts. It’s a lie about who we are, as a community, as a species, and as individual human beings. I don’t want to say too much more because it’ll give way what unfolds in this podcast. Give it a listen. I think you’ll enjoy it as much as I did. And you’ll see why, like so many, I am inspired by Priya every day, and honored to have her as a co-founder of DxE, and a dear friend.

The Intercept Video on Priya

DxE’s First Open Rescue “Truth Matters”

Photo of Priya above from Philip Montgomery, Wired Magazine

Music by Moby: Everything That Rises