Douglas County Deputy Lopez Corrals Escaped Chickens, Reunites Trio With 9-Year-Old Maple

Deputy Lopez of the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office corralled two escaped chickens in a neighborhood and returned them to their owner after a sheriff’s office video identified the birds. The deputy gently guided the animals into a patrol vehicle and kept them safe until Animal Control arrived to complete the reunion.

The birds were identified after the sheriff’s office shared video of the incident and a post circulated in the community. The owner was a 9-year-old girl named Maple; the two recovered chickens are named Pedro and Perry. The family hen, Pineapple, was also returned to the household, completing the trio. The sheriff’s office thanked the community after the reunion, underscoring the cooperative outcome.

This episode, which took place January 20, 2026, reads as a light-hearted human-interest item but also highlights practical elements of local public service. Deputies and Animal Control coordinated on a routine call and used available resources to protect animals and resolve a small neighborhood disruption. Video sharing helped identify the owner quickly, shortening response time and minimizing stress on the animals and the family.

For residents, the event reinforces two local realities. First, Douglas County law enforcement routinely handles a wide range of community needs beyond traditional crime response; these interactions contribute to public trust and visibility. Second, fast communication between neighbors, Animal Control, and the sheriff’s office can return lost pets or livestock to their families with minimal fuss.

The incident also points to simple preventive steps households can take. Securing coops, checking latches on gates, and reporting escaped animals promptly can reduce calls for service and limit risks to animals and drivers. For families with backyard poultry, a quick inventory of enclosures after wind or storms is an inexpensive safeguard.

Ultimately, the rescue and reunion are a small but vivid reminder of local civic life in Douglas County: neighbors and public servants working together to solve everyday problems. The sheriff’s office response and the community’s quick identification of the birds turned a potential headache into a neighborhood success story, and the county can expect more of the same cooperative outcomes when residents and agencies stay connected.