Click play to listen to this article.

An animal rights group filed a motion Tuesday to dismiss a lawsuit stemming from protests in front of the home of an executive for Perdue Foods.

The company asked for an injunction after activists with Direct Action Everywhere protested multiple times on the sidewalk in front of the Santa Rosa home of Jason Arnold, director of operations for Perdue's Petaluma Poultry slaughterhouse.

Image

Cassie King, organizer with Direct Action Everywhere, said the suit should be dismissed.

"Their lawsuit is a classic SLAPP suit, which stands for 'strategic lawsuit against public participation,' and is basically a way for wealthy corporations to shut down and silence activists through expensive litigation," King explained.

In its injunction request, Perdue claimed the protests amount to a "campaign of terror," which "intentionally inflicted emotional distress on Mr. Arnold and his family, invaded his privacy, and put Mr. Arnold and his family in fear for their safety." The motion does not apply to protests held outside the poultry plant.

King pointed out advocates are frustrated local authorities have not filed charges against Perdue for animal cruelty.

"For years now, Direct Action Everywhere investigators have documented violations of California's animal cruelty laws at Petaluma poultry factory farms and at the slaughterhouse in Petaluma," King noted. "Including evidence of birds who are not properly stunned, being scalded alive."

Perdue denies allegations of abuse. A hearing on the initial injunction and the motion to dismiss is set for August 20. Meanwhile, activists are planning a week of action, starting this Friday, including protests against grocery stores in Sonoma County selling Perdue brand chicken.