VALLEY CENTER, Kan. (KAKE) - The Valley Center High School sent out an unusual notice to families on Monday, saying the varsity baseball team's season is suspended while investigators look into claims of animal cruelty.

Valley Center Police Chief Lloyd Newman said the team killed a chicken on the field before they went to an away game. 

"I'm just shocked. And I don't know that much about it yet. I watch TV, but haven't heard anything. I mean, it seems like a really good place to live in," said resident Dixie Mayhew.

This was the reaction from Valley Center residents Monday afternoon when the high school sent out the notice to families about a possible animal cruelty situation with the baseball team.

"They're not saying anything yet. So you don't know what to think," said Mayhew.

Mayhew says as you continue reading the email, it leaves more questions than answers.

It says someone alerted school administrators about a possible animal cruelty incident involving the entire Hornet varsity baseball team and coaching staff on school property, and that the baseball season is suspended until the police department can figure out what all happened.

Multiple residents reported hearing that the possible animal cruelty incident involved home plate at one of the fields.

Until investigators release more information, people like Mayhew urge caution about spreading rumors or drawing conclusions.

"What's your overall hope, just with this situation," we asked Mayhew. "That it's not true. I mean, there has to be something, or they wouldn't have it up at all, but they need to let us know more," Mayhew responded.

The Valley Center Police Chief says the School Resource Officer is investigating the situation.

The district declined to answer any additional questions.

Below is the full email from USD 262:

"The Valley Center High School varsity baseball season has been suspended due to an active law enforcement investigation. High school administrators were alerted to an incident of possible animal cruelty involving the entire Hornet varsity baseball team and the entire coaching staff on USD 262 property. Immediately upon learning of the incident, high school and district leadership notified the appropriate authorities and suspended the season. A decision regarding the remainder of the baseball season will be made pending the outcome of the investigation.

Thank you."