Nineteen turkeys were killed at Nipomo High School during the evening of April 26. The manner of their slaughter appears to be consistent with a predatory attack, according to a press release from the San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Department.
Although human involvement hasn’t been ruled out, visible puncture wounds paired with necropsies conducted on the birds suggest the culprit was most likely a dog. Surveillance cameras also placed two dogs near the scene in the early morning hours.
The turkeys were being groomed by Future Farmers of America students for a competition at the Santa Barbara County Fair in July.
The fence to the cages holding the turkeys also had a faulty lock, according to the press release. A total of 22 turkeys were housed in the cages; in addition to the deaths, two birds suffered injuries and one was missing. The turkeys were discovered on April 23 at 7:30 a.m.
As of press time, the San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Ag Task Force, School Resource deputies, and County Health Animal Regulation Control were continuing the investigation.
This article appears in May 5-12, 2011.