Suffolk SPCA offers $4K reward after decapitated goat found near LIE

Animal authorities in Suffolk are offering a $4,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for decapitating a goat found near the Long Island Expressway.

The Suffolk County SPCA said the animal was found dead March 15 in an area where Bellport, Yaphank and Medford converge, near the Long Island Expressway overpass.

Investigators called the death an intentional act of cruelty consistent with ritualistic sacrifice.

The Suffolk County SPCA is contributing $3,000 to the reward; the New York State Humane Association has added $1,000.

“This is a shocking and deeply troubling case of animal cruelty,” said Chief Roy Gross of the Suffolk County SPCA. “We are urging anyone who may have seen something suspicious in the area or who has any information to come forward.”

Gross noted that disturbing discoveries of this nature are sometimes made by children.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Suffolk County SPCA at 631.382.7722. All calls will be kept confidential.

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From archives

Uptick in animal sacrifices on Long Island may be part of larger, religious trend