I was very saddened when I heard about this just moments ago. Someone heartless enough to pray and hurt voiceless innocent animals has some serious psychological problems. I hope the killer is found and set on trial for the death penalty as Capital Punishment by death is legal in Idaho. Praying for the victims.  – Barking Beast

Someone is killing lots of dogs in Idaho. Four German Shepherd mixes were found beaten and shot to death on the side of a highway on Thursday in the southern farming region known as Magic Valley. Roughly 30 dogs have gone missing in the area since last month, with dozens turning up dead in horrific fashion.

One dog, another German Shepherd, suffered what officers called a “ritualistic execution,” in which its head was crushed and its carcass covered in a purple cloth. Residents are shaken. “We’re staying on it and working with what leads we have,” said Gary Trostel of the Twin Falls County Sherriff’s office. “We know something is going on but we don’t know what it all means. We’re trying to find out.”

Pet owners are being advised to report any instances of stalking or disappearances, and to keep their dogs from roaming. The Humane Society is also offering a $5,000 reward for information leading to a conviction in the dog killings.