Activist Receives Six-month Sentence for Breaking Into Wegmans Egg Farm
ROCHESTER, N.Y. -- One of three animal activists who in 2004 broke into a Wegmans-owned egg farm in Walcott, N.Y. so they could videotape alleged mistreatment of chickens has received a six-month sentence, according to published reports. The term will be served in the Wayne County Jail.
Adam Durand, a member of Rochester-based animal advocacy group Compassionate Consumers, was found guilty earlier this month of three counts of misdemeanor trespassing earlier this month. The sentence additionally included a year's probation, 100 hours of community service, and a $1,500 fine. Durand is currently in jail.
"It's outrageous that they would give him six months," Compassionate Consumers spokesman Ryan Merkley told the Rochester Democrat and Chronicle. "Adam should be applauded, not sent to jail for this." Judge Dennis Kehoe saw the matter differently, labeling Durand's actions "vigilantism" and expressing a wish to destroy his videotapes taken at the farm.
"We are relieved this is behind us, but we are also glad a strong message was sent that illegal entry onto private property will not be tolerated," said Wegmans in statement.
Adam Durand, a member of Rochester-based animal advocacy group Compassionate Consumers, was found guilty earlier this month of three counts of misdemeanor trespassing earlier this month. The sentence additionally included a year's probation, 100 hours of community service, and a $1,500 fine. Durand is currently in jail.
"It's outrageous that they would give him six months," Compassionate Consumers spokesman Ryan Merkley told the Rochester Democrat and Chronicle. "Adam should be applauded, not sent to jail for this." Judge Dennis Kehoe saw the matter differently, labeling Durand's actions "vigilantism" and expressing a wish to destroy his videotapes taken at the farm.
"We are relieved this is behind us, but we are also glad a strong message was sent that illegal entry onto private property will not be tolerated," said Wegmans in statement.