Animal Rights Group Says It Disrupted Wellness Event at Pasadena Erewhon on Sunday

An animal rights group said Sunday that its members disrupted a wellness event at the Erewhon grocery store on South Lake Avenue with a satirical skit alleging the upscale grocer sells products from suppliers the group says engage in animal cruelty.

Members of Direct Action Everywhere dressed in hazmat suits and acted out a mock “necropsy” of a stuffed goat inside the store, according to a statement from the group.

Erewhon employees reportedly called the police and the activists were escorted out, DxE said.

The group said the action was part of an ongoing campaign calling on Erewhon to audit its animal product supply chain. DxE said it has contacted Erewhon about its concerns but has not received a response.

“I believe in respecting humans and non-human animals,” said Klara Sorensen, an organizer of DxE Los Angeles. “We demand that Erewhon cuts ties with factory farms and adopt a model that protects animals.”

DxE cited brands including Meyenberg Goat Milk, Mary’s Organic Chicken and Diestel Turkey as suppliers it alleges engage in unlawful cruelty. Meyenberg has previously denied DxE’s allegations, telling Central Valley television station CBS47/KSEE24 last year that the accusations were “baseless” and that its products carry the “Certified Humane” label.

Erewhon, located at 475 S. Lake Ave., is a certified organic retailer with 11 locations across Los Angeles County. The grocer’s website says it is committed to animal welfare.

The Pasadena action was not the group’s first targeting the grocer. DxE also disrupted Erewhon’s West Hollywood grand opening on Feb. 25, according to WEHO TIMES.