PITTSBURGH, March 18 (UPI) -- Campus police at Carnegie-Mellon University in Pittsburgh are investigating the mystery of the spray-painted chickens.

The chickens were discovered wandering the campus during the weekend, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reported. Casey Brown, a volunteer called in for a chicken roundup, said one bird, with a chest painted pink, was in the student center, while another, decked out in silver, was on a racquetball court. Others were found near some fraternity houses.


Beth McMaster, a wildlife rehabilitator in the Pittsburgh area, is now caring for the birds and says they are victims of animal cruelty. She said the paint cannot be removed, is toxic to the birds and could harm them if they ingest it as it flakes off.

The chickens also appeared not to have been fed for days, she said, and at least two have respiratory problems.

The university issued a brief statement saying the incident is under investigation and that any discipline involved is an internal matter.