Hartland, N.Y. (WBEN) - Just days after alerting farmers in Niagara County about suspicious activity regarding potential animal rescues or steals, a property owner in Hartland said 50 of her chickens have gone missing.
"I fed them in the morning just as I normally would, before work, and when I came home the feed was still pretty full," said Kimberly Simmeth on WBEN Friday.
Listen to WBEN now!
"These were juvenile birds that were stolen. They were not full size chickens or baby chicks. They were mid size." Adding, "It's just too improbable for wildlife to have taken only those specific birds."
She said there is not a trace of a feather, blood or anything to indicate that they fell victim to wildlife.
This comes after an animal activist meeting took place last weekend to encourage the so-called rescuing or liberating of farm animals.
Related
Since the incident on Tuesday, Simmeth believes someone has been surveilling her property, but as she tried to approach a suspicious van, it disappeared. "It's a very intimidating, scary feeling."
Simmeth has a small farm. She has goats, other chickens, and a turkey. "It's my little piece of heaven."
The incident makes her feel violated. "Someone went into my space, through my gate, and into my barn to get these birds."
She said she was aware of activity of animal extremists, but said, "I never expected anything like this."
Simmeth is adding more extensive security to her property. "It's costing more more than I can financially handle at this time, unfortunately."