Sheriff’s deputies are investigating a burglary and animal abuse case where four chickens were killed.

On Sunday, June 16, at about 7:11 p.m., deputies responded to a church in the 6500 block of Picasso Road for a report of chickens who were found dead on the property, the Sheriff’s Office reports.

Through their investigation, deputies learned that a single suspect trespassed into a locked chicken coop that belongs to the Isla Vista Community Services District on the church property.

The suspect used a bat, or similar object to bludgeon the chickens, killing four of them, the Sheriff’s Office said. There is no indication the crime was intended target the church specifically.
 
Deputies are following up on the case, gathering evidence, and contacting witnesses. The suspect has not yet been arrested.

Deputies urge anyone with information to call the Isla Vista Foot Patrol station, 805-681-4179 or the Anonymous Tip Line, 805-681-4171; or submit an anonymous tip at www.sbsheriff.org/home/anonymous-tip/.