The Humane Society of the United States is offering a reward of up to $5,000 for information leading to the identification, arrest and conviction of the person responsible for cruelly killing a Canada Goose near a popular park in Seattle, Washington.

The Seattle Animal Shelter is investigating the incident, which is reported to have occurred the evening of Monday, Sept. 28, at Green Lake. Video and witness accounts show the unidentified man, pictured at right, attacking and killing the goose in front of onlookers before stuffing it in a backpack and walking away.

“This was a violent and disturbing attack on an innocent animal. We will thoroughly investigate this incident and need the public’s help to identify the person who did this so we can help ensure it doesn’t happen again,” said Seattle Animal Shelter Director Ann Graves.

The shelter, which is one of 15 divisions within the City’s Department of Finance and Administrative Services, is authorized under City code to investigate cases and bring forth charges of animal cruelty. First degree animal cruelty is a Class C felony punishable by five years in prison, a $10,000 fine or both.

“This goose was brutally beaten and beheaded at a public park in the middle of the day by an individual demonstrating a stunning and callous indifference to life,” said Dan Paul, the HSUS’ Washington senior state director. “We hope our reward helps find the person who committed this cruel and despicable act.”

The Canada goose is often a signature at Green Lake and other City parks and, with its black head and neck, white cheeks and a brown body, is one of the best-known birds in North America.

Anyone with information about this crime of animal cruelty is asked to call Seattle Animal Control Manager of Field Services Don Baxter at 206-386-4288 and refer to case number C05948188.