by KYW's Tony Hanson
Animal protection officials were investigating a bizarre case on Monday, following the gruesome discovery of several dead and nearly dead animals in Juniata Park.
According to authorities, Kim Terren was walking her dog on a trash-strewn lane at the edge of the park when she came upon a decapitated chicken hanging upside down from a tree. There was also a cat nearby, and she reported it to authorities.
George Bengal is the director of law enforcement for the Pennsylvania SPCA:
"When my officers went down there, they found two chickens that were strung up in a tree. The heads of the chickens were wrapped in bandanas and stuffed inside of the chickens. Right below the chickens we found a cat near death.
"Approximately 30 or 40 feet across the other side of the road we found the remains of a dead dog. And in the road itself we found the remains of a dead cat."
Black chicken feathers were strewn on the ground (photo above), and there was some writing on a pole and nearby rocks.
Bengal says it may have been ritualistic torture and killing -- although, given the unusual nature of this incident, he hasn't ruled anything out.
(Photo by KYW's Tony Hanson)
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