Group offers reward for info about goat deaths

KAILUA-KONA » The Humane Society of the United States announced a reward of up to $2,500 for information leading to the conviction of people connected to the death of dozens of goats on the South Kona coast in August.

The national society, relying on a report by the Hawaii Island Humane Society, said someone herded as many as 200 goats over a 30-foot seaside cliff, killing about 120 of them.

But reports from different agencies vary in the details.

Police Lt. Robert Wagner said there was no evidence the goats were deliberately killed, although he left open the possibility of negligence.

"We don't have any evidence that someone went down to drive them off the cliff," Wagner said.

The actual intent seems to have been to hold the goats, possibly for sale, he said. The investigation is suspended because of lack of information, Wagner said.

Two fishermen who spotted the goats south of "Pebble Beach," 24 miles south of Kailua-Kona, initially reported about 50 stranded goats and about 100 dead from starvation or drowning.

A report by DLNR officers on Aug. 30 said 47 live goats were found and rescued. A written report available to Wagner put the numbers at about 35 live goats and "just over" 30 dead ones.

Anyone with information is asked to call Wagner at 326-4646, ext. 266, or CrimeStoppers at 329-8181.