Daijiworld Media Network - Beltangady (SP)

Beltangady, Apr 12: After finding that over 150 Salem breed chicken had been discarded by the side of national highway 73 near Mundaje village in the taluk on Sunday April 11, people rushed to the spot and collected as many poultry birds as possible. In the meanwhile, sighting of some carcasses of the chicken in the area gave rise to a sense of panic.

At around 11 am on Sunday, news spread in the area that chicken had been discarded by the roadside. People from the area and those passing by in their vehicles filled their bags with chickens before heading home.

Representational image

At the same time, over 50 dead chicken were found near the area. Several of the chicken looked like they were sick. Local gram panchayat president informed the veterinary officer but no official came there till Sunday evening. The officials said that the gram panchayat has been instructed suitably.

The spot where the dead birds were found is in the middle of the forest where carcasses of monkeys and birds were found earlier. About a month back, six monkey carcasses were found on Kayartody road near here.

There is no information how so many game chickens came there. Some have guessed that the birds would have been discarded by those who were taking them for sale in a vehicle after finding that they had become sick. Ranjini Devi, president of Mundaje gram panchayat has advised the people not to eat these birds as dead chicken were found after people took away live ones. As they died under suspicious circumstances, the spot was inspected and the veterinary officer has been informed, she stated.