POLICE, FIREFIGHTERS COME TO RESCUE OF 91 WANDERING HENS

Police and firefighters north of Victoria were called to five different locations on the Saanich peninsula Thursday to catch 91 hens. Officials quickly hatched a plan to herd the birds into a tennis court while waiting for animal control crews to arrive. Central Saanich Const. Ann Piper says civilians helped with efforts to capture the mislaid egg layers that were wandering in the mostly rural area. She said farmers told officers the hens looked old and past their prime, and one had to be put down. Large companies that handle chickens were contacted and Piper said none were missing any birds. Piper said everyone is still brooding over the question of where the chickens came from. Officials are hoping the owner comes forward, but the chickens could be adopted if that doesn’t happen.