16.11.07

Headless goats and chickens found on U.S. beach

Two headless goats, three decapitated chickens, a beheaded rooster and a dove or possibly pigeon have been found on a scenic Southern California beach in the past week, puzzled police said on Thursday, Police in Laguna Beach said they were unsure whether the seven animals had washed up on shore or been placed there. They are trying to figure out who was behind the decapitations, and why. The headless goats were found inside a purple burlap sack on the sand a week ago. The other beheaded animals turned up in recent days. "We are looking at all kinds of things -- Halloween prank stuff, kids or cold, ritualistic-type activities," Laguna Beach police Sgt. Jason Kravetz told the Los Angeles Times. "They are wet. That means they are close to the surf line or they are washing up," he said. "It's something I haven't seen in my 18 years on the job." Laguna Beach, which lies about halfway between Los Angeles and San Diego, is an affluent seaside community which also provided the setting for the 2004 MTV teen reality show "Laguna Beach."