I agree - pay the guy for his chickens IMMEDIATELYand figure out how Gracie got out. $30.00 seems like a small price to pay considering what could have happened to them!
Now, let me get this straight - from your post, it sounds like this guy had the dog chained and she had to run beside the truck? That's insane! What is wrong with those morons? I'd go take pictures, then call Animal control & the police.