A dead goose and the note left behind have ruffled a lot of feathers in Meriden.
Foul play is suspected in the death of a swan goose at Hubbard Park, the Hartford Courant reports.
Four local businessman have now pledged a $2,000 reward for information on the animal's death.
The goose, known as "Buddy" or "Big Boy" to park visitors, was found dead on January 12 with a severe head injury, the Meriden Record Journal reports.
"It looked like it had been run over," Sgt. Leonard Caponigro said.
Police believe the death of this feathered friend was no accident.
A note, lacking punctuation, was left at the scene, police told the Courant: "Killed with intent how pathetic we are as a species."
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Beyond the note, police say, there is very little evidence.
"Unfortunately, without a witness to this, it's virtually impossible to figure out who did it," Caponigro told the Courant.
One of the businessman who is putting up part of the reward is Charlie Spinaci, owner of A-Z Rentals in New Haven. Spinaci wasn't familiar with the bird, but is fond of birds.
"It really got me going when I saw that somebody killed that goose," Spinaci told the Courant.
Police hope the reward and the publicity will help crack the case.
