Rural Crime

During the week of Friday, June 9, 2023, through Wednesday, June 14, 2023, animal rights activist group Direct Action Everywhere (DXE) plans to host its Animal Liberation Conference (ALC) in Berkeley, CA. The stated objective of the conference is to "bring together the most dedicated and motivated animal rights activists from around the world and empower attendees to take bold, collective action to achieve revolutionary social and political change for animals" During the conference, DXE will bus conference attendees/extremists to a nearby facility for an "open rescue."

Farming operations in California should review their security protocols in anticipation of activity leading up to, during, and after the ALC conference. As of today, there are no known specific protest events planned in Yolo County, however, livestock/dairy farming operations must be aware of DXE's covert operations, intelligence gathering methods like imposter employees applying for employment, and animal rescues that may occur during the day or night. Farming operations must be vigilant by checking their properties for suspicious activities and persons. The Yolo County Sheriff’s Office, in conjunction with the Yolo County Farm Bureau will notify YCFB members of any potential DXE activity/protests and partner with stakeholders to respond appropriately.

The following is a syllabus for conference events:

• On Sunday, June 11, 2023, DXE activist/Legal counsel Wayne Hsiung will host a workshop during the conference called "The Open Rescue Experience."

• On Tuesday, June 13, 2023, the conference agenda included a "training and action" at an undisclosed location.

• DXE has hosted "open rescue" workshops in Arizona, New York, Nevada, Utah, Oregon, and California, so it is possible that extremist activity could occur across the country during the week of this conference.

History of Direct Action Everywhere (DXE):

International Animal Rights Activist Group was established in 2013. This DXE chapter is based out of the San Francisco Bay Area. DXE's ultimate political agenda is to change policy involving the consumption of animals as food and to achieve total animal liberation. DXE usually holds protests at local grocery stores while livestreaming on various platforms. Typically only a handful of protesters are observed, usually employing passive, non-violent demonstration tactics. Demonstrators often read scripted speeches, display signage, and congregate near points of entry.

If DXE members/ vehicles are contacted at your farming operations, please contact the Yolo County Sheriff’s Office Dispatch (530) 666-8282. If you have any questions, please call Detective Matt Wirick with the Yolo County Sheriff’s Office Ag Task Force (530) 668-5232 during normal business hours, by email matthew.wirick@yolocounty.org or by cell at (530) 702-0313.

IF YOU BELIEVE YOU ARE THE TARGET OF A DEMONSTRATION, TAKE THESE ACTIONS:

•Alert your employees to the situation and advise them to be on the lookout for individuals near or on your property. Direct your employees to first notify the Sheriff and then notify you immediately if they see any suspicious individuals near the location.

NOTE: If you observe the presence of drones prior to law enforcement's arrival, the producers should try to note the location from which operator is flying the drone and to additionally note the pilot's physical and clothing descriptors.

•Ensure that you are continuing to uphold the best management practices outlined in the FARM (Farmers Assuring Responsible Management) program.

TIPS FOR DEALING WITH ONSITE PROTESTERS AND ACTIVISTS:

If you encounter suspicious persons on your property:

•DO report to local law enforcement immediately by calling 911 and asking for a response by the Sheriff’s Office.

•DO learn who the suspicious individuals are and what their concerns are in a respectful manner.

•DO ask to see the individuals' credentials if you suspect they may be impersonating government employees such as members of the USDA or if they claim to be seeking employment.

•DO NOT be combative. Remember, the trespassers may be videotaping you.

•DO NOT have a large group approach these individuals, as this may escalate the situation and bring more attention to their cause. Also, avoid gathering a large group of observers, even from a distance.

•DO notify the individuals that they are on private property and ask them to leave. DO NOT use force.

•DO write down the license plate number of involved vehicles.

•DO film the activists and their drones - you are legally allowed to do so. Be aware that they will typically use cameras and recording devices, even concealed.

•DO NOT touch or shoot drones, even if they are flying over your property - that is ILLEGAL.

•DO let local law enforcement handle the situation if activists refuse to leave.

•DO contact your state/regional trade association (e.g. Western United Dairymen, Farm Bureau, California Cattlemen’s Association, Milk Producers Council, California Dairy Campaign, Dairy Cares, etc.) to alert them of the situation.

•Don't Be Used:

Animal rights activists have a prescriptive strategy to achieve their goals. They seek to gain attention for their cause, gain supporters and receive funding through donations from their supporter networks. In order to gain free publicity, activists want you to lose your cool, get emotional, angry, speak out and act out. The larger the crowd, the bigger the spectacle. The more comments and shares on social media, the more attention the activists and their cause will receive.

TIPS FOR DEALING WITH DRONES

If you see a drone flying over your property:

•DO contact law enforcement

•DO post "no trespassing" signs on your property.

•Do contact appropriate federal authorities where necessary, such as the FBI or FAA. Operation of drones at lower levels (as opposed to higher altitudes that are managed by the FAA) is generally governed by state and/or local authorities with varying privacy and enforcement provisions. If you encounter a similar issue and local authorities are not able to help, the FBI investigates agroterrorism and the closest field office will be able to provide direction or assistance.

•DO NOT use force or touch/shoot the drones. The FAA classifies Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) - or drones - as aircraft.

•DO take photographs and videotape the drone, if possible.

•DO try to safely obtain serial numbers and descriptors from downed drones. The FAA requires owners of drones between .55 lbs. and 55 lbs. to register their crafts.

•DO safely approach any vehicles that may be near your property to learn who they are and what their business is near your property in a respectful manner.

•DO film the activists and their drones - you are legally allowed to do so. Be aware that they will always have cameras/recorders present - even hidden.

TIPS FOR DEALING WITH RECORDING DEVICES

If you discover hidden devices at your property:

•DO document them with pictures and a timestamp of discovery.

•DO report it to local law enforcement immediately.

•DO NOT touch or remove the device yourself. All aspects of the device and its placement are important pieces of an investigation. Only law enforcement should remove the device. If it's proven that recording devices and/or malware were installed and left to transmit data, the investigation could rise to the federal level.

IF AN ACTIVIST(S) OR SUSPECTED INVOLVED EMPLOYEE IS PRESENT WHEN HIDDEN DEVICES ARE DISCOVERED:

•DO NOT let them know you've discovered the devices.

•DO NOT be combative with the individual. Remember, you are being recorded.

•DO immediately call law enforcement

•DO contact your state/regional trade association

IF AN ACTIVIST(S) OR SUSPECTED INVOLVED EMPLOYEE LEAVES UPON LEARNING A HIDDEN DEVICE IS DISCOVERED:

•DO record their vehicle license plate number and descriptive details

•DO film any interactions with the activist/employee

•DO contact your state/regional trade association

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