FRESNO, Calif. — Authorities in central California are searching for those who broke into a Foster Farms chicken ranch and used a golf club to kill more than 900 birds.

Fresno County sheriff’s officials said Tuesday that deputies arrived at the facility in Caruthers, less than 20 miles south of Fresno, on Sept. 20 and found hundreds of birds slaughtered.

Investigators say the suspects apparently pulled back a fence to gain access to a chicken shed. Once inside, investigators say, the suspects used a golf club, and possibly another similar type instrument, to slaughter 920 chickens.

Foster Farms says the attack appears to be random and is calling it “an unconscionable act of animal cruelty.” The chicken producer is offering a $5,000 reward for information leading to an arrest and prosecution.

First Published October 1, 2014, 2:36 p.m.