A wounded calf. Photo courtesy of Fairfax County Police Department
Herndon — Two goats, a calf and a chicken were assaulted at Kidwell Barn at Frying Pan Farm Park sometime between 5 p.m. Saturday, May 26 and 7 a.m. Sunday, May 27. Staff at Kidwell Farm at Frying Pan Park went to feed the animals the morning of Sunday, May 27 and found the animals, who were injured by an unknown assailant.
According to the Fairfax County Police Department, one of the goats and the calf are both bottle-fed and under a year old, so they would have no reason to fear humans and are used to approaching people.
Fairfax County Park Authority spokeswoman Judy Pedersen said that the animals were tended to by veterinarians and were treated with stitches. The injuries do not appear to be life threatening.
Animal control officers and detectives are continuing the investigation. The Park Authority and the Fairfax County Police Department will meet over the coming days to discuss ways to increase security at the farm.
The attacks resemble the April 26 stabbing of three horses in a barn on the 2600 block of Centreville Road, adjacent to Frying Pan Farm Park, not on park property.
"The attacks are similar, and the April 26 incident is currently unsolved, but we can’t say 100 percent that they’re connected," said Lucy Caldwell, public information officer with the Fairfax County Police Department. "But we are continuing to look hard at both situations, the public is understandably upset and we’re going to work hard to resolve this."
Anyone who recalls seeing anything suspicious near Frying Pan Farm Park is asked to contact Crime Solvers at 866-411-8477, text "TIP187" and a message to 274637 or call Fairfax County Police at 703-691-2131.