In a heartbreaking turn of events, the quiet grounds of Corrimal High School became the scene of an appalling crime over the weekend. On Sunday morning, police were called to the school, located about an hour south of Sydney, where they made a grim discovery – 29 chickens had been brutally killed in their enclosure overnight.
The chickens were not just livestock, but beloved animals cared for by students as part of the school’s agriculture program. Corrimal High prides itself on giving students hands-on experience working with a variety of animals including sheep, goats, alpacas, and of course, the chickens. The birds were a source of joy and learning for the young animal enthusiasts.
“Beyond Belief” – Police Disturbed by Cruel Act
Inspector Allison Guthrie from Wollongong Police District expressed her shock and revulsion at the nature of the crime. “These animals have been subjected to horrific acts of cruelty,” she stated emphatically. “It is clear this was not the act of a fox or a feral cat – these chickens were well cared for by the facility and for someone to do this is beyond belief.”
Indeed, the level of brutality has made it apparent that this was not the work of a wild animal, but a deliberate act of cruelty perpetrated by an individual or group. The motive behind such a senseless act remains unclear, but there is no doubt that it has left the school community reeling.
Students’ “Dream Come True” Turns to Nightmare
Just last month, the NSW Department of Education released a video showcasing Corrimal High’s agriculture program and the students’ interactions with the animals. In the heartwarming footage, students described the experience as “like a dream come true.” Little did they know that their dream would soon be shattered in the most horrific way imaginable.
“It’s really fun because we make some bonds with the alpacas or the chickens and they just come running up to you at the end of the day and you’re they’re best friend”.
– Corrimal High School Student
The affection and care the students had for the animals is evident in their words. They spoke of the bonds formed, the joy of having the chickens run to greet them. As part of their duties, students would collect eggs daily and sell them to fund the program – the very definition of a symbiotic relationship.
A Tragic Lesson in Loss and Animal Welfare
While the agriculture program aimed to teach responsibility and animal husbandry skills, this incident will now become a tragic lesson of a different kind. Students will grapple with feelings of loss, anger, and even fear, their innocence shattered by the cruelty of an unknown assailant.
It also raises serious questions about the security and oversight of school animal programs. How could someone access the chickens and commit such atrocities undetected? Are schools equipped to protect the welfare of the animals in their care? These are issues that will need to be addressed to prevent such a tragedy from occurring again.
Community Urged to Provide Information
The incident is believed to have occurred sometime between 2 pm on Friday and the grisly discovery on Sunday morning. Police are appealing to the public for any information that could aid in their investigation.
“We are urging anyone who may have any information about this matter – or who were in the area at the time with any available dashcam/mobile phone footage – to contact Wollongong Police Station or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000”
– Inspector Allison Guthrie, Wollongong Police District
As the police work to uncover the truth behind this disturbing act, the Corrimal High School community will be left to pick up the pieces. The senseless killing of these innocent animals has undoubtedly left scars that will take time to heal. One can only hope that the culprits are brought to justice and that steps are taken to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all creatures great and small in our schools.
