Chicken Owner Claims Poison Attack on Birds

The battle between Corona del Mar resident Michael Resk and neighbors who want to oust his six hens -- dubbed The Goldenrod 6 -- from the village has grown more serious.

According to a post on the Facebook page created for the pet chickens, someone scattered rock salt all over the backyard of the Goldenrod Avenue home where the chickens live. Resk says the rock salt can cause salt toxicity in chickens causing renal failure and death.

"We are very disappointed that anyone would take this action and feel sorry for the culprit who must live with themselves for such a malicious act," Resk told Patch. "We hope the Ladies remain in good health."

Resk and his chickens -- Red, Tiny, Whitey, Flatty, Blackie and Blondie -- were thrust into the after a neighbor filed a noise complaint with the city.

Kathy Lowe, spokeswoman for the Newport Beach Police Department, said detectives were aware of the incident, although no police report was filed.

"The homeowner spoke with one of our detectives, but did not request a report regarding the salt in his yard," Lowe said. "Apparently the detective is working with the homeowner to resolve a neighborhood dispute."

So far, more than 50 supporters have posted Facebook comments about the rock salt incident.

"This makes me sick and disgusts me! I don't care how unhappy you are about a situation; it is never okay to harm another living creature. The person should be ashamed," supporter Jennifer Baldwin wrote on Facebook.

At last week's Newport Beach City Council meeting, Resk briefly addressed the council and thanked members for reviewing the city law that bans livestock or poultry.

Mayor Nancy Gardner recommended the council discuss the law and the chickens at next month's meeting.