An array of animal cruelty charges are in the works after police in Texas announced the arrest of between 12 and 14 people they claim took part in an animal sacrifice as part of a ritual in the garage of a San Antonio residence this week.

According to Fox News, the Bexar County Sheriff’s Office dispatched deputies to the residence Friday evening in response to reports of animal abuse.

Upon arriving at the home, authorities found more than a dozen individuals participating in the ritual mutilation of animals, including chickens and goats, inside the house and attached garage.

“It appears they were having some sort of unknown ritual,” said Sgt. Elizabeth Gonzalez.

She described some of the activity reportedly observed by deputies on the scene, including one participant who allegedly drained the blood from a chicken into some type of container.

A woman allegedly dismembered animals with a knife at the home.

Inside, investigators say they found goat heads as well as additional chickens, according to USA Today.

“One of the other persons was holding up a chicken and draining blood into a container,” Gonzalez said. “There was containers there. There was heads of what looked like goats and animals dead and alive inside.”

KENS spoke to a neighbor who described the allegations as “pretty scary” and a complete surprise.

“I can’t believe this is happening,” the individual said. “Before I saw a rooster or something in the backyard. I’ve had some issues with their dogs, but I’ve never seen them sacrifice anything before that.”

Those arrested in connection with the case are expected to face criminal animal cruelty charges.

[Featured image: Pixabay]