Reward offered in killing of 8 Salinas pets

Six pet rabbits, two goats killed sometime Tuesday night or Wednesday morning investigators say.

SALINAS >> A $1,000 reward is being offered for information on the killing of eight animals on Schoch Road in Salinas.

Six pet rabbits and two goats were killed sometime between 6 p.m. Tuesday and 8 a.m. the following morning, according to the SPCA Monterey County. Officials believe the killings occurred sometime during the night.

“We hope this reward will inspire someone to come forward with information,” said Angeles Lopez, SPCA Humane Officer. “The owner of the animals was distraught that something like this would happen to his animals. The scene was incredibly disturbing. Our goal is to find the person responsible so this never happens again.”

The property owner, who was not identified, does not live on the property but works out of it daily. It was the property owner who called the killings in to authorities.

The manner of death is still under investigation. Based on photos released by the SPCA, the two goats were in a separate pen, and at least some of the rabbits were still in their cages. There were no obvious wounds to the animals.

All of the animals were dead when authorities arrived.

SPCA officials ask that if anyone has information about this case, call (831) 373-2631. All calls are confidential. To donate to help abused and neglected animals, please call the SPCA at 831-2645421 or donate online at www.SPCAmc.org.

If caught, the suspects could potentially be charged with animal cruelty.

Six pet rabbits and two goats were killed sometime between 6 p.m. Tuesday and 8 a.m. the following morning, according to the SPCA Monterey County.