Animal Heads in a Plastic Bag Found in East Greenwich, Rhode Island

Animal heads in a plastic bag caught the attention of the police in East Greenwich, Rhode Island, back in late February.

In a recent development this March, an animal rights organization claimed that the incident was connected to a possible religious animal sacrifice ritual based on material evidence.

Over recent years, there have been related cases of religious animal sacrifice rituals across Rhode Island.

The incidents are subject of ongoing investigations to determine the culprit or group behind the animal killings and mutilations.

Religious Animal Sacrifice Ritual

(Photo : Justin Sullivan via Getty Images)

The animal heads were found inside a plastic bag near a boat launch in East Greenwich, Rhode Island, on Friday, Feb. 25.

The bag contained a calf head, a kid goat's head, a lamb head, and multiple rooster heads, as per the Associated Press.

On Tuesday, Mar. 8, the Rhode Island Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RISPCA) claimed the incident was related to a potential religious animal sacrifice ritual.

However, it remains unclear who was behind the ritual.

The animal rights organization based its assessment on the colored clothing and two drawing materials found inside the bag alongside the animal remains.

The group said the materials were also linked with related investigations into animal sacrifice rituals in the past.

The RISPCA asked the public to contact local authorities in charge of the investigation if they had information regarding the incident.

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Related Cases

The RISPCA also announced in early February of its ongoing investigation into a related case of a religious animal sacrifice ritual.

The group offered a $5,000 reward for anyone who can lead investigators for those responsible for the ritual-based killings of chickens, as per the WPRI 12 News.

The animal rights group said the chickens were killed in a brutal method, which is inconsistent with laws and regulations on how animals should be killed in a religious aspect.

The RISPCA cited some of the chickens were stomped to death and were hit with an object.

The chickens were found in an area near the Warwick City Hall in Warwick, Rhode Island.

Investigators reportedly believed the animals were killed somewhere else before being transported to the area, as per WPRI 12 News.

In another case, some birds were reportedly found dead across Rhode Island, including at a cemetery, along a roadside, and in the front yard of one of the state's residents.

The RISPCA reminded that killing animals slowly and through unauthorized methods subjects them to significant suffering and trauma.

Rhode Island Animal Laws

Animal cruelty and animal killings are subject to the provisions and statutes under Rhode Island's animal protection laws.

These collective laws are known as 'RI - Cruelty - Consolidated Cruelty Law (Chapter 1, Cruelty to Animals), according to the Michigan State University - College of Law.

Under the said law, any physical or psychological cruelty and torture of any animals, including depriving them of the necessary sustenance, are considered violations of the law.

In addition, the beating, mutilation, and killing of any animals are also grounds for punishment-which includes imprisonment of up to two years or a fine between $50 and $1,000.