Reward Announced In Case Of Dead Skunks With 'Obama Stinks' Sign In Connecticut

FAIRFIELD, Conn. (CBSNewYork/AP) -- A reward of up to $5,000 was being offered Wednesday for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for two dead skunks found with a political sign in Fairfield, Connecticut.

The Humane Society of the United States said Wednesday that it is putting up the reward in the hope it will help find whoever mutilated the animals.

One skunk had string wrapped around its neck and was nailed to a telephone pole, while the other was found at the base. A sign with the message "Obama stinks" was attached to the pole and also had an American flag with a hammer and sickle in place of the stars.

A woman who noticed the dead animals called Fairfield police at 8:40 Tuesday morning.

Fairfield Police Lt. James Perez said authorities aren't sure what to make of the sign.

"Is it a direct threat? I'm not sure it's even a veiled threat. We really don't know what it is at this point," Perez told WCBS 880's Alex Silverman.

"They wanted to present a message to others of their views and they wanted to do it in such a shocking way that it would get people's attention. It clearly got their attention," Chief Gary MacNamara told WCBS 880's Connecticut Bureau Chief Fran Schneidau.

Regardless, police do consider the incident a clear case of animal cruelty.

"In this day and age with so many people leading complex lives, it's silly that you would have someone make such a bold statement using a defenseless animal," Perez said.

Anyone with information that may be helpful is urged to contact police or animal control.

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