By Alana Mitchelson
Almost four dozen allegedly stolen chickens were found in a “suspicious” van in Drouin during the early hours of Friday morning.
Police were called to an industrial estate on Weerong Road at about 12am on Friday 20 January after reports of three suspicious cars parked in the area.
Officers located the cars and patrolled the area from a distance.
Police intercepted a Hiace van shortly after which had five adults lying down in the back of the van, along with 42 allegedly stolen chickens.
It is understood that the chickens were stolen from a local poultry farm.
The five adults and the driver have been interviewed over the theft and were released pending summons.
It has been reported elsewhere that those involved were animal activists, dressed in dark clothing for a raid after being concerned for the chickens’ welfare.
Acting Sergeant Dany Carbonneau said all would be charged with theft and road-related charges.
“We are investigating the possibility of charging them with animal welfare related actions,” Act Sgt Carbonneau said.
“There is also a seventh person who was not arrested at the scene but who will be spoken to by police in due time.
“Apart from the allegations made by the six offenders, there is no evidence that the chickens were being mistreated.”
