A California appellate panel has overturned two of the three convictions against animal rights activist Wayne Hsiung, including his only felony charge.
The Press Democrat reports the ruling stems from a series of high-profile “rescues” at Sonoma County poultry farms, where Hsiung argued he was preventing animal suffering.
While the court rejected the activist’s “necessity defense,” it ruled that the trial judge erred by not allowing the jury to consider if Hsiung honestly, but mistakenly, believed his actions were legal. The District Attorney’s Office clarified that the decision does not legalize trespassing, but rather hinges on a technicality regarding the defendant’s intent. Prosecutors are currently reviewing the ruling to decide whether to seek a rehearing or a new trial.
Despite the reversal of the conspiracy and trespass counts, one misdemeanor conviction against the Direct Action Everywhere co-founder remains upheld.
