No Cult Links Found to Mutilated Animals
Los Angeles police say they have no evidence that mutilated animals found recently in San Pedro parks are linked to cults or Satanism.
“We have got nothing to indicate these incidents are other than cruelty to animals. There is no indication that (the animals) have been used in religious or cult sacrifices,” said Harbor Division Detective Robert Espinoza.
On Feb. 28, a gardener at Angels Gate Park discovered six decapitated chickens and doves in two plastic bags. It was the fifth such discovery in San Pedro since last summer.
And on Feb. 25 a maintenance supervisor at Friendship County Regional Park discovered the separated heads and bodies of a small goat and 30 roosters, hens, and pigeons in several large plastic garbage bags. The carcasses had been drained of blood.
Animal sacrifice is sometimes associated with satanic cults and the rituals of Santeria, an Afro-Cuban cult.
Harbor Division detectives said they still have no credible leads or witnesses in the mutilations.
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
