March 20, 2008

GRINDSTONE, Pa. -- Authorities say they found three dogs hanged and burned in a Pa. forest in what appears to have been a satanic ritual. A tire fire lit beneath them burned for hours before residents finally saw the smoke.

Clues found at the scene indicate more than one person was involved in the hanging and burning of three dogs.

“It’s crazy, it’s ridiculous, it’s inhumane,” said Rob Maule of the Fayette County Humane Society.

One of the animals was a German shepherd-mix that weighed around 80 pounds –- an animal too large to be hoisted into a tree by just one person. Authorities said that may indicate the involvement of multiple parties.

Beneath the animals several tires were piled up and lit on fire – the smoke from which eventually lead firefighters to a forest near Grindstone in Fayette County, where the animals were strung up. A pentagram symbol -- which is an upside-down star inside a circle -- was found nearby.

The emblem has been connected to Satanism, but authorities said they aren’t sure how long it had been there, even though it was found just feet from the hanging dogs.

“I cried,” said Theresa Lundren, a manager from the Humane Society. “I cried when I first seen (sic) this. But then I got strong, because I want to get who done (sic) this. I believe this dog might have been used as a satanic ritual, and it might have been alive when they did this.”

Authorities could neither confirm nor deny if the animals were alive when they were hung or burned. A necropsy on the German shepherd-mix may reveal more details.

According to the Pittsburgh Channel, a call was made early last Wednesday morning notifying firefighters of the smoke.

Authorities arrived on the scene around 6 a.m. to find the dogs, the fire and the pentagram symbol on a nearby tree. The small tire blaze burned well into the night.

It is not yet known if the dogs belonged to anyone or who may be responsible. A warning has been issued to residents to keep a watchful eye on their pets, especially those outside.

“I’ll struggle until the day I die to try to take care of these animals and find out who is abusing them and who is doing what to them,” said Maule.

Tell us what you think about “xxx” under this story. Share your favorite videos by clicking on the ZootooTV tab. You can send us your story ideas by e-mailing us at news@zootoo.com or by calling us at 877-777-4204.