Two intruders kill at least five chickens and leave damaged coop in Leongatha Community Garden
The incident on Friday May 9 is being investigated by Leongatha police.
Jacob Wallace
May 14, 2025
Police are investigating after two youths were observed via CCTV security cameras last Friday night entering the Leongatha Community Garden and brutally killing a number of chickens.
The two unidentified individuals also caused substantial damage to the coop and the garden.
The Gippsland Monitor spoke to Leongatha Community Garden President Neil Barrett about the incident.
“On Sunday morning, one of our gardening members was there early at the garden,” he said. “They discovered that the chicken coop had been broken into and there were a number of dead chickens.
“We did have six chickens in that particular coop. Four of them were deceased.
“Later I found one of the chickens alive, hidden away in the garden. I took that chicken home, but unfortunately it passed away.”
The sixth chicken has not been located.
Deceased chickens at Leongatha Community Garden. Image provided by Leongatha Community Garden.
A Facebook post from the community garden says “the door [was] smashed and the wire ripped off. The chickens were slaughtered and their carcasses left lying around outside the coup! Equipment from inside the coup was strewn around outside as well.
“Sickening security footage of the incident has been provided to police and will be provided to the RSPCA.”
Neil said he wasn’t particularly interested in watching the security footage but he wanted to thank the community for the outpouring of support after the incident.
“The response from the community to this incident has been amazing. Donations of eggs, donations of chickens, the local hardware [Mitre 10] are willing to provide whatever is required to fix the coop.”
Bass Coast Police Service released information on the appearance of both of the intruders: “One youth wearing light coloured pants and a dark jumper. The second youth was taller, slim build wearing dark pants and dark top.”
Neil said that to him “it wasn’t an opportunistic attack. Someone's come to the garden with intent.”
If anyone in the area has CCTV footage or any other information which may assist police with their investigation, please contact Leongatha Police Station on 5662 2285 or Crimestoppers on 1800 333 000.
