Seven people were arrested while slaughtering chickens in a backyard in southern Germany, police in the south-western state of Baden-Württemberg said on Monday.

The members of an extended family who were present were said to be "not very enthusiastic about the arrival of the police" and "tumultuous scenes" ensued on Sunday afternoon, according to a police statement. A police officer was threatened with a knife.

It seems several chickens were to be slaughtered in the backyard in a manner that did not comply with animal welfare regulations.

In addition to the seven people arrested, there were other people at the scene who fled, according to the police. Eight chickens died, and 15 other animals were rescued and are being cared for by the veterinary office.

The incident happened in Bad Säckingen, a small community not far from Germany's border with Switzerland.