Police: 9 arrested after protesters chain themselves to Kroger headquarters
CINCINNATI —
Nine people were arrested after an animal rights protesters chained themselves to Kroger’s headquarters downtown Wednesday, police said.
Interim Cincinnati Police Chief Adam Hennie said officers working at the Kroger building noticed the protesters started chaining themselves to the entrance facing Court Street.
Vine and Court streets were blocked off as 60 activists with Animal Equality protested the grocery chain’s “broken cage-free commitment.”
In a press release announcing the protest, Animal Equality says it is calling on Kroger to meet with them and “commit to a clear plan that ends cages for hens in its egg supply.”
Officers responded and blocked off Vine and Court streets in front of Kroger’s HQ at 1014 Vine Street.
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Police have blocked off Vine and Court streets in downtown Cincinnati due to a protest at Kroger’s headquarters.
The fire department responded to cut the chains from those chained to the headquarters building.
Hennie said those taken into custody were arrested for anything from criminal trespassing to resisting arrest.
Hennie said they want to protect First Amendment rights, but said protesters actions Wednesday took it to “that next level.”
No one was injured in the process, police said.
Video captured by WLWT shows police carrying a handcuffed protester and putting him in a cruiser.
Animal Equality says it is an “international animal protection organization,” working to “end cruelty to farmed animals.”
It’s not the first time protesters have demonstrated outside Kroger headquarters.
Kroger shared a statement regarding the protest and arrests:
“Kroger respects the right to peaceful protest and for people to make their voices heard. But extreme tactics that create safety concerns for our associates, visitors and neighbors cross a line. We are cooperating with local law enforcement as they respond to the situation and remain focused on keeping people safe.
We have met with and listened to leaders of this pressure campaign and have been clear about Kroger’s position to support animal welfare while ensuring our customers have affordable choices. Keeping food affordable and delivering value for our customers, particularly as families face higher costs, remains a core priority.”