The Suffolk County SPCA says dead animals were found in black plastic garbage bags in Melville.

Officials say the discovery was made on Sunday after the Suffolk County SPCA received a call from the Suffolk County Police Department.

SPCA detectives responded to the scene and discovered the partially decomposed remains of five decapitated chickens and two decapitated goats.

The remains were discovered on the side of Round Swamp Road approximately 100 feet south of Exit 39 of the Northern State Parkway.

Chief Roy Gross of the Suffolk County SPCA stated that animal sacrifice is the ritual killing and offering of an animal as part of a religious ritual. Also found at the location were fruits and vegetables.

"Chickens and goats are commonly used in these types of sacrifices and the fruits and vegetables that were there as well," Gross says.

Officials are offering a $3,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the individuals responsible.

If convicted, the person or persons could face a year in jail for each offense along with a $1,000 fine.

Anyone who witnesses any incident of animal cruelty or neglect in Suffolk County is asked to contact the Suffolk County SPCA at 631-382-7722.