Two animal activists found not guilty Friday in Merced

MERCED COUNTY, Calif. — Two animal activists, which included a former Baywatch star were found not guilty on Friday in Merced.

Alicia Santurio and celebrity Alexandra Paul were acquitted of misdemeanor theft charges by a 12-person jury.

[RELATED] Former Baywatch star appears in court following chicken rescue in Livingston

Back in September 2021, the two were seen on video running toward a truck filled with caged chickens at a Foster Farms slaughterhouse in Livingston.

The pair then grabs two chickens and run toward a getaway vehicle.

Both women are activists with Direct Action Everywhere and this “Rights to Rescue” case has become significant as it’s the second acquitted court case for open rescue activists.

Today’s verdict represents an important, legal affirmation of the right to rescue farmed animals who are suffering, diseased, or otherwise in danger of an inhumane death,” said law professor and civil rights attorney Justin Marceau.

The two rescued chickens, Ethan and Jax were taken that day from the truck and received medical care. Unfortunately, Ethan did not survive, according to a UC Davis report, he was found with multiple health issues.