DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. — Neighbors are raising concerns after several dead animals, including baby goats with their legs bound, were found along a popular DeKalb County walking trail.
[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]
Adam Laberack, who walks the South River Trail almost daily, told Channel 2’s Eryn Rogers he made the gruesome discovery Saturday morning.
“The baby goats were here, there were two Canada Geese, and close to a dozen pigeons,” Laberack said.
He said the goats’ front and hind legs were tied together with wire and duct tape.
Laberack and neighbor Keegan Nanan said they believe the animals were dumped overnight.
Nanan told Rogers that DeKalb County Animal Control responded shortly after the discovery. He said an officer told them this type of incident is a frequent occurrence.
TRENDING STORIES:
- ‘Unimaginable loss’: 2 boys die, 2 women hurt in shooting
- NBA Hall-of-Famer Shaq named honorary FBI special agent
- A train every 10 minutes? Atlanta to consider $3.5 billion Beltline light rail proposal
The neighbors also showed Channel 2 another area along the trail where they found feathers, which they described as a second dumping site.
While they say they are accustomed to seeing tires and other trash dumped along the trail, they said finding the dead animals was especially disturbing.
“If I find a tire yesterday, and a pile of bodies, animals today, what am I finding tomorrow?” Nanan said.
The neighbors are also concerned that some of the animals may have been protected wildlife.
“Canada Geese are protected animals, so that’s a pretty big deal,” Laberack said.
Channel 2 Action News reached out to Atlanta police and animal control for more information about the investigation, including the types of animals found and how frequently similar incidents occur. We are still waiting to hear back.
The neighbors say they want to see more security along the trail, including cameras that could help identify whoever is responsible.
“Having been a daily walker for several years now, we’ve seen some crazy stuff down here, and some cameras would be good,” Laberack said.
He said he believes cameras near nearby streets could help investigators track where the animals were brought from and identify those responsible.
“If they could hone in on the street people are coming down to get here, they can figure out who it is and stop the animal abuse,” he said.
[SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]