Reward in animal mutilation case grows to $10,000

A new $5,000 reward was announced Thursday for information leading to a break in the mysterious rash of animal mutilation cases that have plagued Sacramento since last year.

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals announced the reward for information leading to an arrest and conviction on animal cruelty charges in the series of decapitations and mutilations. The offer matches a previous reward offer from the Humane Society of the United States and brings the reward fund to $10,000.

PETA’s offer follows the discovery Saturday night of the latest series of mutilations, this one involving a beheaded goat, rat and catfish, as well as a bag of dead chickens. The carcasses were left on the light-rail tracks on 26th Avenue between 24th Street and Franklin Boulevard. A surveillance camera captured footage of what appears to be a woman leaving the animals and then departing in a light colored SUV.

Sacramento police are analyzing the footage and investigating the case, which has baffled officials since the killings began last year.

“All this stuff has been turned over to the Police Department, and they are feverishly working to help us with this case,” said Gina Knepp, head of the city’s Front Street Animal Shelter.

Knepp added that she hopes the $10,000 reward will be incentive for someone to come forward, and that anyone with information should call her at (916) 808-8333.

This story was originally published July 2, 2015 at 1:48 PM with the headline "Reward in animal mutilation case grows to $10,000."