We are sinners all.

We are sinners all. (Photo: Matt Davis/CC BY 2.0)

Chickens have done many bad things. For example, they yell every morning at sunrise. There is no need for this anymore at all, and yet they continue to do it. In addition, one was arrested in Dundee, Scotland earlier today after trying to cross the road.

Before I tell you more about this particular case, I must point out that, chicken crimes notwithstanding, humans are much worse. For example, in March of 1847, someone writing for a monthly magazine called the Knickerbocker came up with this “joke:”

There are ‘quips and quillets’ which seem actual conundrums, but yet are none. Of such is this: ‘Why does a chicken cross the street?[’] Are you ‘out of town?’ Do you ‘give it up?’ Well, then: ‘Because it wants to get on the other side!’

But I digress. In a Facebook post, Tayside Police explained that they found the chicken around 8:30 a.m. in East Marketgait, “trying to cross the road and giving passing motorists cause for concern.” So they chased her down and called the SSPCA, who are caring for her until she can be returned home.

“Police are appealing for any information as to why the chicken was crossing the road,” Tayside Police asked at the end of their post. Are you “out of town?” Do you “give it up?” She was trying to get away from us.

Every day, we track down a fleeting wonder—something amazing that’s only happening right now. Have a tip for us? Tell us about it! Send your temporary miracles to cara@atlasobscura.com.