INGALLS, Ind. -- A reward is being offered as authorities continue to investigate how the dismembered bodies of at least eight animals ended up in Fall Creek.

The Madison County Humane Society is offering a $1,000 reward for information leading to an arrest in the case, 6News' Stacia Matthews reported.

At least eight bodies of what appeared to be dogs were found in the creek at State Road 67 and County Road 750 West in Ingalls Thursday evening.

But animal control officers said the bodies, many decapitated and skinned, were so badly mutilated that they were unable to determine their breed.

Sources told Matthews on Monday that the majority of the animals were dogs, but that some of the bodies may be coyotes.

Coyotes can be hunted and trapped yearlong on private property or with written permission from a landowner in Indiana.

Even if they were mutilated and dumped, authorities said there may not be anything they can do.

"As far as the state law goes, the disposal of dead animals … only applies to livestock -- horses, cattle, sheep, hogs -- species like that," said Denise Derrer, with the Indiana Department of Animal Health.

She said wildlife, small game and domesticated animal carcasses are exempt from the rule and can be legally disposed of at landfills or through a veterinarian's office.

If it's determined the animals were hunted or trapped illegally, then the Department of Natural Resources could file charges in the case.

Meanwhile, crews with the Indiana Department of Environmental Management inspected the creek Friday after the carcasses were removed.

"He didn't see any physical contamination in the water or any signs that there would be any water contamination, like struggling fish. So, we don't anticipate there to be any impact to the drinking water," said IDEM spokesman Robert Elsbro.

The Madison County Humane Society is collecting donations for the reward. Anyone interested in donating is asked to call 765-644-6484.