920 chickens killed with golf club; reward offered

FRESNO, Calif. (KABC) -- Two vandals broke into a Foster Farms chicken raising facility in rural Fresno County and killed more than 900 birds with a golf club.

"Once they were inside, the suspects used a golf club and possibly some other type of instrument to maliciously kill several hundred chickens," said Sheriff's Deputy Chris Curtice.

Foster Farms reports 920 chickens were killed.

"The perpetrator committed an unconscionable act of animal cruelty. This appears to be a random act of violence," the company said in a statement.

Foster Farms is working with local law enforcement on their investigation into this matter and is offering a $5,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and prosecution of the persons responsible for the crime.

Curtice said investigators have some evidence but are hoping the reward will prompt someone to come forward.

"An actual portion of the golf club, we believe we found that at the scene and we are asking for anyone's help who might know something about this," said Curtice.

Anyone with information is urged to contact the Fresno County Sheriff's Department.