An alleged crime has ruffled some feathers in Duncan.
North Cowichan RCMP say 24 chickens were stolen from Hope Farm Healing Centre on Drinkwater Road sometime between April 29 and April 30.
The 24 chickens are several different breeds, including Leghorns, Reds, and Appalachians.
“The chickens are several different breeds, including Leghorns. Reds, and Appalachians. They can be white, red, or black, and lay white or brown eggs. Leghorns are also unique because they can fly short distances. These birds are generally only owned commercially and are not a common farm bird,” North Cowichan RCMP said in a release.
Police also said Leghorns are unique because they can fly short distances.
“We want to both notify other farms in the area of this theft, and ask the community, in general, to contact us if they have information that will help us find these chickens and investigate who took them,” said Const. Aaron Ferrell, in a press release.
“Farms and other properties with animals and livestock are encouraged to take precautions to avoid thefts and trespassers on their land, like locking access gates and ensuring any surveillance cameras or trail cams are working properly.”
Hope Farm Healing Centre is a ministry of the Mustard Seed Street Church and the chickens were part of a program that provides “a restorative farming community to men seeking a life free from addiction or other self-damaging patterns.”
“The farm environment and the animals here, including our chickens, help to support participants in their recovery journey. We hope the community can help return our chickens to this program,” said Brent Cooper, manager at Hope Farm in the release.