CAPE CORAL, Fla-- A Cape Coral woman said she recently found a goat head in front yard and believes it's linked to Santeria or some type of religious sacrifice. She isn't alone.
Just a few days ago teenagers were hanging out along a Cape Coral canal when they found two decapitated goats and a chicken.
"We are all animal activists so we take these really seriously," said resident Joe LaMountain.
In both instances the residents called police.
"This is a great example of if you see something that's suspicious in the neighborhood go ahead and notify us and perhaps we can go out in time to catch the person who is doing the illegal dumping," said Cape PD Sgt. Dana Coston.
But is this really part of some kind of animal sacrifice? Fox 4 went straight to religious goods stores to find out. Despite spelling items for Voodoo, the owners of Botancia 7 Potencies say they couldn't comment.
Fox 4 also stopped by Bontancia La Senora Blanca in Cape Coral. The woman working said her saints and spirits didn't allow her to talk on camera.
The practice of Santeria is protected under the 1st Amendment. Cape Police said sacrificing the animal isn't illegal, but disposing of the animal like these two cases is and it's also a health hazard.
"An animal left behind like that can cause a problem for residents. It can attract coyotes, it can attract buzzards, alligators who are going to feed on an easy meal so if it's near a canal it's something you should be weary of if you see that," said Sgt. Coston.
Cape Coral Police said in the future you can report this by calling 239-574-3223 or CLICKING HERE
CLICK HERE to read more about decapitated goats found in Cape Coral canal.
