Reward offered in Bellport baby goat decapitation that may have been animal sacrifice
The SPCA, New York State Humane Association, and Humane Long Island are offering a combined $5,000 reward for information that leads to an arrest and conviction.
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A decapitated one-month old goat, which may have been a ritualistic animal sacrifice, was found Sunday, the Suffolk County SPCA said.
The animal was found by a motorist with a clean-cut to the head in the Bellport area near a Long Island Expressway overpass on Sunday before midnight, officials say. The motorist originally thought it was a dog.
The SPCA, New York State Humane Association, and Humane Long Island are offering a combined $5,000 reward for information that leads to an arrest and conviction of whoever did what they're calling a, "particularly gruesome and intentional act of animal cruelty."
The SCPA is searching the nearby area for other signs of animal sacrifice, such as circular patterns found with money, vegetables or clothes believed to represent different “gods.” Usually, rituals are done for protection or healing, officials say.
Authorities do not know whether the white goat was killed on the spot or moved there from another location.
“This is a shocking and deeply troubling case,” said Chief Roy Gross. “We are urging anyone who may have seen something suspicious in the area or who has any information to come forward. The public’s assistance is critical in helping us bring those responsible to justice.”
Those with knowledge about the incident are being asked to contact the SPCA at 631-382-7722. All calls are confidential.
Depending on whether the goat was a companion animal or not, the offense is either a misdemeanor or felony charge.
