[RP TownTalk] Dead Rooster on the Tracks reply

[Sue Collins]

If you'll look on past Town Talk archives, unfortunately over the past few years there've been several instances of dead chickens in bags (many time with candy and other "goodies" enclosed!) on the tracks.  In fact I've found several of them myself.  I've usually found them on Saturdays or Sundays as that's when I walk up that way, and as Public Works is closed, I've called the police and reported it to them and I know they've picked up at least a few of the chickens in the past.  I don't know if Animal Control would consider this their jurisdiction or not.  As the animal is already dead, they'll probably think it's a town matter?  Word of warning; I've heard that in some instances whoever is leaving these chickens will put caustic materials on the bags so that anyone who disturbs the bags gets irritation on their hands.  
Now as to why are the chickens on the tracks (sounds like a bad riddle); from some research I've done, I believe it's to do with Santeria or voodoo.  In some beliefs, crossroads are considered very powerful places to leave offerings and as I said above, many times I've seen candy and other things in the bags with the chickens, so I don't think we're talking people just leaving garbage or dead fighting chickens.  There was a full moon the other night, don't know if that has anything to do with when the chickens are left on the tracks or not.  Most of the times I've found the chickens, it's been summer. I wonder, are other areas like Hyattsville, Langley Park, etc., esp. with crossroads at railroad tracks or major intersections, having this same problem?  



________________________________
From: Eric Russo <erusso78 at gmail.com>
To: TownTalk at riverdale-park.org
Sent: Thu, February 25, 2010 7:20:19 AM
Subject: [RP TownTalk] Dead Rooster on the Tracks

Hello All, 

Unbelievably, there is a dead rooster carcass on the train tracks just off the corner of Riverdale Rd and Lafayette, where people cross the tracks near Dumm's.  The carcass was discarded on the tracks halfway hanging out of a brown paper bag.  I called this in to the RP police on Sunday morning.  On Tuesday morning it was still there so I called it into Animal Control.  They seemed to have not believe me.  It is still there this morning, and the lack of anyone doing anything about this is discouraging.  This will take a long time to decompose, and it is just a matter of time before it is attracting other animals we do not want around.  I see people walking dogs along the tracks, and kids crossing the tracks everyday to go to school.  This is more than just the average litter and trash one would expect to see on the tracks.  Maybe if enough of us call it in, someone will come and actually remove the carcass.

The number for Animal Control is 301-780-7200.  You need to follow the menu promps for Animal Carcass Removal.

This also begs the question as to why there is a fully-feathered, dead rooster carcass on our tracks.

Thank you to anyone who cares about this.

Sincerely,
Eric


      
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