PAYSON — Police have said the death of eight backyard pets was the result of a dog attack, not an intentional act with a knife.

The Risenmay family said someone broke into their animal pen and killed their two goats, five chickens and a duck with a knife Tuesday. However, police said they are ruling the incident as a dog attack unless someone comes forward with concrete evidence to prove a person did it.

Dog prints were found in the goat and rabbit pen, according to Payson Police Lt. Bill Wright. He said the puncture wounds on the animals and neck injuries were consistent with a dog attack.

The Risenmay children ran into their home screaming after finding their pets dead, according to their mom. The children had grown especially close to their goats Lucy and Lola, who they fed and brought water to every morning.

"The kids loved them; we had leashes and collars for them and they got played with every day," said mother Stacy Risenmay.

The Humane Society of Utah offered a $5,000 reward to anyone who had information about the attack Thursday.

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Backyard pets intentionally killed with knife, Payson family says

A Utah family made a grisly discovery when they found their outdoor pets had been intentionally killed in their backyard.

“The Humane Society of Utah exists to eliminate the pain, fear and suffering of all animals,” said Executive Director Gene Baierschmidt in a statement. “The Humane Society is concerned about these animals just as much as those surrendered to our shelter.”

The Risenmay family contacted police after they found their pets dead in the backyard. Risenmay said an animal control officer found lacerations on the goat that indicated a knife was used, but Wright said the officer never said it was a stabbing or slashing attack.

Another neighbor also had some chickens and rabbits killed, Risenmay said.

Contributing: Sam Penrod

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