A runaway turkey has a new home after being taken into custody by Bladenboro Police.
BPD said in a social media post that a citizen called after seeing the turkey escape from a poultry carrier in the city limits. The bird was injured in the area of Elizabethtown Road and Seaboard Street.
“Rather than leaving the turkey to fend for itself, our officer took the time to provide care and assistance before transporting it to a wildlife rehabilitation center for evaluation and treatment,” Chief Justin Hewett said in the post.
The officer wrangled the wayward turkey and arrangements were made to transport it to A Wild Life Rehabilitation Center near Lumberton. The bird is being treated for its injuries and will eventually have a new home.
“All calls are not the same, and not every situation requires the same response,” said Hewett. “We are thankful to have officers who understand that being a police officer is about more than enforcing the law. It is also about serving our community, showing compassion, and helping wherever we can. I am proud to have officers like Officer Forster who are willing to go above and beyond the call of duty, even when it means helping an injured animal.
“This is just another example of how our officers continue to go above the call of duty to keep everyone — even our unexpected feathered guests — safe.”
