Goats killed in 'heinous' attack

COEUR d'ALENE - Three small goats doing weed reduction at a 4-acre water well site in Coeur d'Alene were stabbed in a brutal overnight attack.

One died after having its head nearly severed in the incident, which happened late Monday or early Tuesday. Another one had to be put down because of its injuries.

Animal control officers for the Coeur d'Alene Police Department responded at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday to the well site across Fourth Street from Coeur d'Alene High School, Sgt. Christie Wood said.

Wood said the goats were almost like pets.

"They were quite friendly little goats that would come right up to you," Wood said.

The attack appeared to be a random act of "heinous" animal abuse, she said.

The city water well site is fenced in and has a locked gate.

Wood said the suspect or suspects climbed the fence to gain access.

The two goats that died were Boer breed, and the third is Nubian. It is expected to survive.

The three were approximately 2 feet in height and weighed between 30 and 50 pounds.

The goats' owner, Quintin Forte, placed 16 goats at the site at 5 p.m. Monday. Forte's family's business is called Green Goat Rentals, of Hayden.

"The only thing we've ever had to worry about is wild animals," Forte said Tuesday. "I've never even thought about something like this happening."

He said the goats that were attacked were either 2 or 3 years old.

"I was just shocked that somebody would want to do this," Forte said.

He took custody of the rest of the goats Tuesday. He has a contract with the city for weed control on city properties.

Police are asking for tips to catch those who are responsible for the attack. The department can be reached at (208) 769-2320 or by email at policetips@cdaid.org.

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Crime Stoppers offers reward:

Crime Stoppers of the Inland Northwest is offering a cash reward for information leading to the arrest of the person or persons responsible for the animal abuse that resulted in the death of two goats and the serious injury of a third one.

 Anyone who has information on this case is asked to call Crime Stoppers of the Inland Northwest at 1-800-222-TIPS. Callers are asked to use a code name or number and do not have to give their own name to be eligible for a cash reward.