Two arrested for stealing chickens in Seekonk

ABC6 News

By: Anthony Vega

Email: avega@abc6.com

Twitter: @avegaABC6

Reporting by: Rebecca Turco

SEEKONK, Mass. (WLNE) — Two Attleboro residents faced a judge Monday, after they were accused of stealing chickens from a Seekonk farm.

A Taunton District Court judge entered not guilty pleas for 18-year-old Misty Harlow and 20-year-old Kyle Dupre.

An officer noticed a suspicious car near R&R Farms on Newman Avenue after 1:00 a.m. Sunday, according to Seekonk Police. The officer found chicken feathers scattered throughout the vehicle, and a backpack in the rear seat that appeared to be moving on its own.

Police say a feather poked through the opening of the backpack and eventually a whole chicken wing.

The officer on patrol freed seven chickens from the backpack. They were unharmed and returned to their owner.

Harlow and Dupre were arrested and charged with the following:  

  • B&E Nighttime to Commit a Felony
  • Possession of Burglarious Tools
  • Destruction of Property -$250.00
  • Animal Maim
  • Larceny of Property +$250.00

The two suspects spoke with ABC6 News outside of court, saying the chickens were not being fed and that they were planning on taking them to a sanctuary.

“I’m just a compassionate animal lover,” said Dupre. “I thought I was doing the right thing.”

Richard Curzake, who owns R&R Farms, has had dozens of chickens and ducks stolen from his property in recent weeks.

Curzake said in one case, he bought actually bought his birds back at an auction. “They’re out there making a dollar,” he said. “Just like having a day job, but they do it at midnight.”

Dupre and Harlow admitted to those recent animal thefts, on top of stealing the seven chickens, according to a police statement issued in court.

©WLNE-TV/ ABC6 2018

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