INVESTIGATORS have seized a chicken as they examine reports of animal cruelty in the heart of Newcastle.
Newcastle police rescued the bird, dubbed Penny, on Friday after a report of animal cruelty near the Queens Wharf ferry terminal.
Police said they are seeking any information from any witnesses who may have seen the animal being mistreated on or near the wharf between 4pm and 4.30pm that day.
"Penny wasn't looking like a spring chicken after her ordeal, but with some care from Newcastle City General Duties police, she appears to have made an eggselent recovery and is currently being cared for by a local officer," police said in a statement.
Anyone with information who can help identify the group involved in the alleged incident, or who believes they may be Penny's owner, is urged to contact Waratah police.
Separately, a 37-year-old man has been flown to hospital from an East Maitland construction site after a large diameter drill bit slipped while drilling into concrete.
The man suffered an upper thigh injury, the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service said, and was flown to the John Hunter Hospital in a stable condition for further treatment.
