Authorities in South Carolina have reported at least 16 attacks on chicken farms over the last two weeks, causing the deaths of an estimated 300,000 chickens and cost the farmers about $1.7 million. According to The State, all of the attacks have been against farmers who raise chickens for Pilgrim’s Pride, though they do not think the company is being targeted.
Clarendon County Sheriff Randy Garrett said someone familiar with alarm systems used in chicken houses is responsible. Those alarms also control the heat, air conditioning and ventilation units and notify farmers by cell phone when buildings get too hot or cold. Chickens can die in about an hour if the ventilation and heating systems are turned off.