Headless goats found in bags dumped near N.Y. reservoir

WHITE PLAINS, N.Y. — Seven large black garbage bags containing at least two headless goats and other mutilated animals were discovered near a reservoir in Yorktown, authorities said.

A driver who pulled over to make a phone call Monday night smelled something foul and alerted the police. Because the bags were near the New Croton Reservoir, which is part of New York City's water supply, the city's Department of Environmental Protection Police were initially called, department spokesman Adam Bosch said.

The matter was turned over to the SPCA of Westchester's Humane Law Enforcement Division, which is investigating the grisly find.

"Several plastic bags containing what appear to be decomposing goats as well as birds, many with their heads seeming to be missing, were found" said Ernest Lungaro, the law enforcement division's director. He could not say what type of birds were involved.

Lungaro said the bags were most likely dumped during the past several days.

It's the second gruesome discovery in Westchester County in recent months. In April, 25 dead cats were found in plastic shopping bags hanging from trees in Yonkers.

Lungaro said that case is still open. He said the two incidents don't appear to be related.