THORNTON, Colo. (KDVR) — A Thornton lady and neighborhood fowl herder often called the “turkey girl” acquired a disorderly conduct quotation Wednesday following an altercation with one other lady.
Mary Ann Strauch stated she was serving to the turkeys cross the highway close to dwelling at York Avenue and 124th Avenue when a driver sped round her and almost hit her.
Strauch stated she tapped the again of the automotive with a stick she makes use of to herd turkeys throughout the highway when the lady bought out and confronted her.
“She bought actually irate and jumped out and began yelling at me,” Strauch stated. “And he or she insisted on calling 911 and having the police come out, after which we have been all detained out right here about 2 and a half hours.”
Thornton Police confirmed each girls have been cited for disorderly conduct.
“It was very upsetting, and I feel it was actually pointless and uncalled for,” Strauch stated.
Herding turkeys to roost
Strauch stated she’s been serving to the turkeys cross the highway close to her dwelling for fairly a while, a process that’s turning into harder as extra improvement continues within the space.
“I attempt to assist the birds be protected, and I feel I’m serving to the motorists as effectively,” she stated. “Most people appear to actually benefit from the birds, and so they actually admire me being out right here serving to the birds.”
Thornton Metropolis Councilmember Karen Bigelow stated she was disenchanted to listen to concerning the state of affairs and stated it’s the most recent signal extra must be performed to handle the difficulty.
“After they cross these busy roads, significantly 124th or York, they’re getting run over,” she stated of the turkeys. “I’m wondering what occurs when somebody will get in an accident due to the turkeys?”
Bigelow stated she labored with Strauch to put in turkey crossing indicators within the space however is asking town to do extra to gradual visitors. She’s additionally requested about rehoming the turkeys however stated she’s been informed that’s not an choice.
“What I used to be informed is we will’t contact the turkeys, we will’t re-home them, as a result of they’re wildlife,” she stated. “I don’t perceive why we will’t rehome these turkeys after we do rehome prairie canine from improvement areas. What’s the distinction? I’ve not been capable of get a solution on this in any respect.”
Strauch stated regardless of the incident, she’ll proceed serving to the turkeys cross the highway every evening to get to their roost.
Some on social media in Thornton are even providing to pay for her effective and accompany her to court docket to point out help.
