ALPINE, Calif. (KGTV) -- The Sheriff's Department is investigating the deaths of ten farm animals in the East County Friday.
Around 8:00 a.m. deputies with the Alpine Sheriff's Substation responded 400 block of Peutz Valley Road in Alpine. When deputies arrived the livestock was found dead in an animal pen on the property. The livestock consisted of lambs, goats and a ram.
The incident is being investigated as a felony animal cruelty case, deputies said. Lt. Anthony O'Boyle declined to comment in detail on how the animals may have died.
"The manner and cause of death of the animals was suspicious," O'Boyle said. "I will not be releasing any more than that to maintain the integrity of the investigation, but necropsies will be conducted in order to determine the manner and cause of death of the animals."
Deputies urge residents living in the area to share surveillance video with detectives.
Crime Stoppers is offering a $1,000 reward for information that leads to a felony arrest. You can call and submit an anonymous tip at (888) 580-8477.
