LAGRANGE TOWNSHIP, Ohio -- A dozen dogs, cats and deer were found dead -- mutilated and skinned -- in Lorain County.

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Animals Killed In Satanic Ritual?

NewsChannel5's Debora Lee reported that officials believe a Satanic cult is operating out of LaGrange Township.

LaGrange Township is a quiet, out-of-the-way farming community tucked away in the middle of Lorain County. Usually, its biggest disturbance is the whistle from a passing train, but that has all changed.

Lorain County Humane Officer Mitch Witherell said he fears a nearby field has become a dumping ground for Satanic activity. He found dogs, cats and deer that he believes were used as animal sacrifices.

"This is definitely evil," he said. "Evil. Just plain evil."

The dogs under were skinned and their eyes were painted orange with the same paint that was found on a nearby rock.

Penny Vonalt said there are only two words to describe the findings.

"This is disgusting," she said. "It's sick."

People who live near the field said people go there often to dump animals they no longer want. But residents have never seen anything like this.

"(It's) very unusual -- (I) have not seen it," said Rod Seabold, who lives nearby. "I've seen dead animals, but not treated like that."

Investigators found a blue surgical glove near two of the dogs. A rope was tied around one of their legs.

"It's a Satanic ritual -- something to do with voodoo," Witherell said. "And I want to get these guys so bad -- oh, do I want them now. I'd like to put them away for a long time before they end up like Jeffrey Dahmer or somebody else. I'm going to get them, and I'll go to hell and back if I have to, to find them."

Those who have any information about what happened to the animals are urged to call the Lorain County Sheriff's Department or the humane officer at (440) 653-1502.

In the meantime, officials are asking people who live in the area to be alert and to look out for each other's pets.