Big story in the local newspaper, the Colorado County Citizen:

CHICKEN THIEVES BUSTED

Two Houston men are in custody after being caught in the act of stealing chickens.

Colorado County Sheriff's Department deputies responded to Deer Hollow Lane at 2:45 a.m. Monday, March 7, where a landowner had caught suspects in the act of trying to steal his chickens.

In December, someone stole almost $5,000 worth of chickens from the same landowner, but this time the landowner was ready for any would-be crooks; he had installed a motion detector.

As the landowner approached the suspects who were trespassing on his property, the suspects tried to get away by smashing through a gate and then rammed the landowners truck in an attempt to get away.

The landowner fired several shots from his .22 rifle and hit the suspects' car several times, however the suspects were not injured.

The landowner was using a night vision device to assist him in aiming at the suspects, according to CCCSD Chief Deputy Mark Schleider.

Upon the officers' arrival, the landowner had the driver lying down on the ground while the two other suspects had fled from the car.

A search was conducted for the two suspects, and one was found trying to hide behind a nearby bail of hay. The third suspect is still at large.

And we thought the "Eau de sex" topic cried out for input from A.P. One wonders if the vigilant farmer kept his night vision scope in his banjo case for ease of access.

Scott, maybe the farmer just kept his night vision .22 caliber TPD (Thievery Prevention Device) in his Catfish Noodling Gear Bag.

I was initially concerned about the farmer's reaction, but then I remembered that Penal Code section dealing with defense of a third chicken.

Better put the chickens into protective custody. The defendants may try to have them fried if they learn the rooster will crow.

Poultry in motion.

Ken,
Have we figured out what they were going to do with all them chickens? Y'all are just one county over from Fayette Co/La Grange aren't you?

Lee, they were Old English Standard breed of chickens which are prized in some circles as fighting chickens. You are right; we are next door to Fayette County where the old "Chicken Ranch" was located before Marvin Zindler shut it down.

Here's my suggestion for a prosecution expert in the case:

Extraordinary Chickens