A baby goat believed to be less than a month old was found decapitated and dumped beside the Long Island Expressway near a Bellport overpass on Sunday, a discovery that has horrified neighbors and shaken local animal-welfare volunteers. In response, activists and animal-protection groups have pulled together several thousand dollars in reward money and are pleading for anyone with information to come forward.
What investigators say
Suffolk County SPCA Chief Roy Gross told the New York Post that the kid, weighing about eight pounds and under a month old, was discovered by a passing motorist. The animal showed signs of torture and a fatal wound that appeared to have been inflicted with "a very sharp instrument."
Officials told the paper that the placement of the goat and items left at the scene appeared consistent with ritual practices linked to some Santería, palo or Haitian Vodou ceremonies. Investigators are treating the killing as an animal-cruelty case that could result in felony charges.
Rewards and how to report tips
Local activists have put up a $5,000 reward for information that leads to an arrest and conviction. The Suffolk County SPCA has said it will contribute $3,000, and the New York State Humane Association and Humane Long Island have reportedly pledged $1,000 each, according to the New York Post.
Anyone with information is urged to call the Suffolk County SPCA's cruelty-tip line at 631-382-7722. The agency's law-enforcement page explains that its officers are authorized to investigate animal-cruelty complaints and make arrests in such cases, according to the Suffolk County SPCA.
Investigation and next steps
No arrests have been announced so far. The Suffolk County SPCA says its Humane Law Enforcement Officers are certified New York State peace officers and again urged anyone who saw something suspicious near the Bellport overpass or has any relevant information to call 631-382-7722, per the Suffolk County SPCA.
