TWELVE chickens have died in a “sick and violent" attack at a popular community farm in Laverstock.

The discovery was made at River Bourne Community Farm, on Cow Lane, early on Monday morning, when a worker found the dead birds.

An electric fence erected to protect the chickens had been pressed down with force.

Nine of the birds were already dead, and another three had suffered broken legs in the attack.

They had to be destroyed.

River Bourne’s farm manager Jane Wilkinson described the attack as “sick and violent”.

“We are shocked by what has happened,” she said.

“Who would want to do this?

“It is a disgusting act.”

At first, it was thought that a dog had got through the protective fencing and attacked the chickens.

But the nature of their injuries was unlike that of a dog attack, leading to the suspicion that the crime was committed by people.

Mrs Wilkinson said: “We were unsure what had happened, but on closer inspection we found that the chickens did not have any bite marks.

“If it had been a fox, then the injuries would have been a lot bloodier.

“It could have been a dog, and we do not know at the moment, but I think it is unlikely.”

The suspicion about human interference stems from the fact that the chicken pen had been opened and tampered with.

This is the first time that the animals have been specifically targeted, but the farm has experienced a break in before.

Mrs Wilkinson said: “We had CCTV at the time, but it was so blurry.”

The farm plans to install new CCTV cameras at the entrance in the hope that it will deter any repeat of the vandalism.

n To donate towards the cost of the new system, call 01722 330667 or visit riverbournecommunityfarm.org.uk/.

If you witnessed any suspicious activity call 101.