Someone’s picking up lots of chicks (or chickens), according to the latest news reports of thefts happening in Canada and New York.
Ontario Provincial Police from Huron County are investigating the theft of about 30,000 15-day-old chicks from a farm last week.
According to a news release, the chicks went missing on Wednesday or Thursday between 3:30 p.m. and 2:20 a.m.
Valued at $1.40 per animal, the total losses account for $42,000 in value. Canadian news sources say that the birds were housed inside a barn, so the thief would have been limited in how they could have escaped with the birds.
The Huron OPP is seeking the public’s help in identifying the culprit(s) involved in this incident. Any witnesses to the theft or witness are encouraged to contact Huron OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or (519) 482-1677.
#HuronOPP is investigating the recent theft of 30,000 baby chicks stolen from a farm in @SouthHuron. Total value of loss is $42,000. If you have any info that would assist #OPP, please contact 1-888-310-1122, 1-800-222-TIPS, or leave a web tip at https://t.co/gccvAfLdZB. ^cs. pic.twitter.com/x3NSyGfnlS
— OPP West Region (@OPP_WR) April 21, 2023
Poultry heists weren’t just occurring north of the border last week, though. New York State Police are investigating 50 chickens that were allegedly pilfered from a private property in Hartland, New York.
Just two days prior to the theft, Niagara County Sheriff’s Office had issued a public warning to farmers regarding activists trespassing on farmland following a “right to rescue summit” held in Buffalo.
“The very next day after the event two trespassing complaints were reported at local farms. I also made it clear that criminal activity in the name of rescuing will not be tolerated in this county,” Niagara County Sheriff Michael Filcetti said.
Filcetti, New York Sen. George Borello, and Assemblyman Mike Norris spoke out against animal rescue groups while introducing legislation to amend laws centered around livestock theft by activists.
»Related: Utah theft defense bill aims to close legal loopholes for activists
