Animal cruelty investigation underway after bag with 3 mutilated birds found in Putnam County
KENT, Putnam County (WABC) -- An animal cruelty investigation is underway in Putnam County after authorities found a bag with three mutilated birds and officials say it is not an isolated incident.
The contents of the plastic bag shocked those living on Holland Drive. It included two dead chickens and a dove - all drained of blood with their heads cut off.
Investigators believe the animals were killed as part of a Santeria ritual. The Afro-Cuban religion often incorporates animal sacrifice.
The Putnam SPCA says believers are protected by freedom of religion, as long as the manner of killing doesn't violate state law.
"We're not looking at the religion, you can do whatever you want with your religion, however New York says an animal cannot suffer unjustifiable physical pain or cruelty," said Chief Ken Ross with Putnam County SPCA.
This isn't the first time such a discovery was made in the area. In April, eight bags were found in Lake Carmel containing chickens and doves and even a goat's head.
That raises another concern - the disposal of the animals.
"Kids swim there and you don't know what's happened to the animals, if the fish eat them and then the people eat the fish, you don't know, and the same thing when you start leaving dead carcasses on the road, that brings in vermin and disease and other things like that," Ross said.
Investigators believe last week's bag may have been dumped on the road because of the high number of people using the dock and the lake.
As their investigation continues, the New York State Humane Association is offering a $1,000 reward for information.
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