Pet chickens were inadvertently poisoned by people fed up with feral pests roaming through Warwick West.The Department of Environmental Protection today said it was informed by an area resident that such poisonings were taking place.Such actions are illegal under the Care and Protection of Animals Act 1975.A statement released by the department today said: “The Department of Environmental Protection would like to remind the public that the laying of poison or the willful administration of any poisonous or injurious drug or substance to an animal without just cause is an offence of cruelty against the Care and Protection of Animals Act 1975.“This reminder follows a recently received complaint by the Department regarding the poisoning of chickens in the Warwick West area. While it appears that feral chickens may have been the target, pet chickens have also been poisoned in this episode.”The Summary Offences Act 1926 requires pet chickens to be contained on their home premises.