Suffolk SPCA To Distribute Flyers Amid Uptick In Apparent Ritualistic Animal Sacrifices

RIVERHEAD, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) -- The Suffolk County SPCA said it will be handing out flyers to residents amid an increase in incidents involving ritualistic animal sacrifice in the county.

Suffolk SPCA Chief Roy Gross said the flyers will contain information on how to report this type of crime.

"We find it very disturbing, very concerning that this is occurring and there is no justification for an animal sacrifice where you're killing an animal just for the sake of an animal sacrifice," Gross told 1010 WINS on Thursday.

A $1,000 reward is being offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of anyone involved in ritualistic animal sacrifice, the SPCA said.

In late June, three goats were found beheaded and dumped at the Otis Pike Preserve on Line Road in Riverhead. The SPCA said the heads were found nearby as were fruits and vegetables, suggesting the incident was ritualistic in nature.

On another occasion, dead roosters were discovered hanging from a tree at the intersection of Spur Dive South and Freeman Avenue in Islip.

Gross said the agency is not targeting any religions, they just want to stop these killings.

"We're certainly not targeting any religious group," he said. "It doesn't matter what their religion is, that's not our concern. Our concern is unjustifiably killing an animal."

The SPCA said the cases are just two of many that have been reported recently.

"Just as I just got the delivery of the posters that came into the office this morning, I get a call from one of my officers that is heading out. He got a call from the Riverhead police department that they found the remains of three beheaded roosters or chickens," Gross said.

Anyone with information can call the Suffolk County SPCA at 631-382-7722.