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Steamboat Springs — The owners of two goats that were shot to death outside Toponas are offering a $500 reward for information leading to a break in the investigation. As it stands, law enforcement agencies have no leads in the August crime.

The goats, named Annie and Dano, were killed Aug. 27 outside the South Routt home of Lara Jackson and Dave Cabell. A person apparently went onto the property while nobody was home at about 5 p.m. and shot the goats — one in the chest and one in the face — using what appears to be a .22-caliber rifle. Both died before Jackson arrived home.

Routt County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded but did not find any shell casings or other evidence. Spokeswoman Mellisa Baumgartner said the case is closed unless someone provides a meaningful tip.

That’s why Jackson and Cabell put a sign in front of their property offering the reward, which they hope grabs the attention of passing motorists. Jackson said they intend to put pictures of the goats around the area.

“The next thing we’re going to do is contact the candidates for sheriff to see if we can get any more support,” Jackson said. “Having livestock killed is a big deal.”

She said she has not done anything differently with the security on her property other than shutting the gate more often. Some of her neighbors have taken additional steps.

“Several of our neighbors have added padlocks and said, ‘If you see it open, call the police,’” she said. “Everybody is keeping their eyes and ears open.”

This isn’t the first time Jackson and Cabell’s goats have been killed. She said another goat was hit on Colorado Highway 134 in front of her home July 22. A second goat was found dead three days later from unknown causes.

— To reach Zach Fridell, call 871-4208 or e-mail zfridell@steamboatpilot.com