The Humane Society of the United States is offering a reward of up to $2,500 for information on the deaths of more than 120 goats on the Big Island in August.

On Aug. 18, a group of people chased a herd of about 200 goats over the edge of a cliff on the Big Island, causing the animals to fall more than 30 feet, the Humane Society of the United States said. About 120 goats drowned or were found dead, and the Hawaii Island Humane Society rescued 37 with support from the state Department of Land and Natural Resources.

The reward is being offered for information leading to the identification, arrest and conviction of the people responsible for the incident.

"This blatant act of unnecessary cruelty should not be tolerated. Anyone who could so callously cause the death and suffering of these animals should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law," said Inga Gibson of the Humane Society's West Coast Regional Office, in a written statement.

The HSUS Animal Cruelty Campaign raises public awareness and educates communities about the connection between animal cruelty and human violence while providing a variety of resources to law enforcement agencies, social work professionals, educators, legislators and families.

The HSUS offers rewards in animal cruelty cases across the country and works to strengthen laws against animal cruelty. For more information, visit www.humanesociety.org/cruelty.

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