By Associated Press, 7/11/02

DENVER — Call it urban cattle rustling.

A 150-pound fiberglass cow has been stolen from a Chick-Fil-A billboard in Denver.

The cow, one of the company's mascots urging customers to "Eat Mor Chikin," was apparently taken during the weekend. The $3,200 replica was unbolted from the billboard and lowered to the ground.

"The little bandits were very innovative," said Gina Francis, a spokeswoman for the fast-food chain.

Francis said they left tread marks on the ground below the billboard, suggesting a truck was waiting. "They weren't covering their hooves," she said.

The company has filed a police report with the Douglas County Sheriff's Office. "It was hard to get a straight face," Francis said.

Chick-Fil-A is also offering free chicken sandwiches for a year for information leading to the safe return of the cow. The reward could be altered if a vegetarian assists in solving the crime, Francis said.