'Cruel and sadistic': Sick vandals break into a childcare centre and steal beloved chickens Dulcie, Edith and Maude – before setting them on FIRE
- Sick vandals broke in to a chicken coop and set several chickens alight
- One had to be put down with another two burned but are expected to recover
- The childcare centre must now explain to its over 60 kids what happened
Sick vandals stole three chickens from a childcare centre before setting them on fire.
The thugs broke into Eucalyptus Montessori childcare centre, in Canberra, on Saturday around 3:00am.
Police were called and officers found the injured birds nearby.
One of the chickens, Edith, had to be euthanised while the other two, Dulcie and Maude, survived.
One of the chickens, Edith, had to be euthanised while the other two, Dulcie and Maude (pictured), survived after they were set alight on Saturday morning
'It's such a cruel and sadistic thing to do,' Manager Christine Harrison said.
'They don't understand the impact that this kind of thing has on the kids.'
CCTV footage obtained by police showed the culprits breaking in to the coop, cornering the innocent animals and throwing what looks like a flaming cloth at the chickens, setting them alight.
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The footage is said to be 'too disturbing to be released to the public'.
Dulcie and Maud are being treated for minor burns but Ms Harrison said she expects them both to recover.
Ms Harrison now has to explain to the centre's 60 kids, ranging from babies up to five years old, how such a disturbing act took place.
'You can't explain it (the sadistic act), you just say that the two of them were hurt and one has passed away.'
CCTV footage obtained by police showed the culprits breaking in to the coop, cornering the innocent animals and throwing what looks like a flaming cloth at the chickens, setting them alight
She said the chickens are viewed as family members and help children understand how life works.
The centre is now forced to foot the vet bills of the animals treatment.
'I hope that the perpetrators are caught and understand the consequences of what they have done,' Ms Harrison said.
'I think some community service would be good, to come and clean out the chicken coops - although i'm not sure I'd trust them.
'If someone has that kind of nature, they need psychological help,' she said.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
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