School Animals Attacked and Killed

JACKSONVILLE, FL -- Last weekend, two rabbits were killed at Sheffield Elementary in the latest attacks on animals the school has on campus as part of its 4-H club.

The school, located in Oceanway, also had a goat killed earlier this year, along with several ducks.

Teacher Natalie Blackburn is frustrated.

"They (children) are traumatized. There are some of them you would think need grief counselors, some of them so upset," said Blackburn.

The animals have been on the campus for nearly a decade in what is a unique program in Duval County schools.

"It's very upsetting...it upsets the whole school," said fifth grader Shelby Smith.

The school believes teenagers are likely suspects, even though no one has been caught.

The animals are kept in a fenced area at the rear of the school. School officials say the only way in is by scaling the fence.

The school is considering putting up a higher fence to better protect the animals. Parents of some of the children are also considering helping out by installing security cameras.

Cruelty to animals is a felony. If you have any information on the animal attacks at Sheffield Elementary, you can call our partner First Coast Crime Stoppers. The number is 1-866-845-TIPS, and it is an anonymous call.

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