PETA urges support for defendant in Brevard goat theft trial

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A trial is set to begin this week in Transylvania County on felony charges against Wayne Hsiung - an attorney and animal rights activism group Direct Action Everywhere co-founder.

Hsiung has been charged with larceny after breaking or entering and breaking or entering for allegedly taking a goat from a local farm.

PETA called Hsiung a supporter of their organization and posted on its website that “rescuing a sick goat should merit a medal—it shouldn’t be a crime.”

Henderson County Judge Peter Knight ruled today that Hsiung can represent himself in court. Two standby attorneys will be present for the trial in case Hsiung decides he can’t handle the case on his own, Knight said Monday in court.

Hsiung plans to file a motion to dismiss the charges on grounds that animals are legal "persons," not "property" subject to North Carolina larceny law, according to Matt Johnson, press coordinator for Direct Action Everywhere.

Jury questioning and selection will begin at 2 p.m. today.

This story will be updated.

Lurah Lowery is the education and city government watchdog reporter for the Hendersonville Times-News, part of the USA Today Network. Email her at llowery@gannett.com. Follow her on Twitter @lurahlowery and Facebook.com/lurahjournalist.

This article originally appeared on Hendersonville Times-News: PETA urges support for defendant in Brevard goat theft trial