PETA offering reward for help in geese-killing case

SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, or PETA, released a statement in regards to a group of around 20 geese that were purposefully run over Friday.

PETA is offering a reward of up to $5,000 dollars for help in the geese-killing case.

Neighbors and animal activists want the suspect caught.

“Shame on you, whoever did that. [The geese] didn’t do anything to you,” said David Conlee, a concerned citizen.

According to a Facebook post, both adult and baby geese were run over by an unknown suspect on Northside Boulevard.

South Bend Police confirmed the killing.

The picture shows South Bend city employees picking up the remains that stretched over a block.

Kristin Rickman from PETA said the scene was so shocking to the community; concerned citizens contacted PETA asking them to get involved.

“People are really upset about this and understandably so," said Rickman. "There is absolutely no reason that someone couldn't stop for a few moments and allow the geese to pass."

The investigation has been handed over to South Bend Animal Care and Control.

According to officials there, the geese are an endangered species, which heightens the severity of this crime.

People tell ABC 57 News they can’t believe someone would just mow the birds down with their car and keep going.

“It’s a cruel act,” said Conlee. “If they can do it to geese, what makes you think they can’t do it to anything else.”

PETA also fears the heartless suspects actions could escalate.

“It’s very important to stop animal abusers before their crimes escalate to attacks on humans,” said Rickman.

Officials at South Bend Animal Care and Control say that as of today, they have 0 leads to go on in their investigation.

No witnesses and no descriptions of the car involved have been provided.

If you know anything, you’re urged to give them a call.