Let the jokes commence. Law enforcement officials received a different type of call shortly before 6 a.m on Wednesday. A chicken was spotted running in the carpool lane by astounded drivers. For more than four hours the cranky clucker evaded drivers and police who tried to put a stop to its run. The incident occurred on the Bay Bridge toll plaza, and soon punchlines galore filled social media statuses.
There were reports more than one hen was causing headaches for drivers headed to work or out of town for the extended weekend. The California Highway Patrol was able to arrive at the scene and corner the most troublesome hen. She was placed in the back of the vehicle for transport.
For those searching for an update on the hen, rest assure, she is safe. The hen was transported by officials to the Oakland Animal Services department, and a potential owner has contacted the agency to claim ownership of the escapee. The agency relayed the hen appears very healthy and was placed into an outside coop next to younger chickens. In the state of California, housing chickens is legal, but the owner will have to provide proof of ownership before taking custody of the hen.
If the potential owner cannot cough up documents such as pictures or vaccinations records, the hen will enter the adoption field to an owner who can legally purchase her. Currently, there are three different parties that have stepped forward claiming ownership of the hen named Chip. Officials will release to the proper party who can prove Chip is theirs.