NASHVILLE, Tennessee, May 7, 2008 (NBC) -- Tennessee police are searching for the person who left a dead deer and a sign protesting high fuel prices at a Cheatham County gas station.

Station owner Moe Patel said he does his best to keep matters light with his customers.

It was at Patel's station last week that his wife found a dead pregnant deer with a note attached to it that said, "Lower gas prices. Humans are taking it out on us."

"My wife and I, we're both dumbfounded. It doesn't make sense," Patel said.

Cheatham County Sheriff John Holder said the doe was tied to a post at the bottom of the gas price sign.

"No sense at all. No sense at all. Like I say, it's just a criminal mind," he said.

Detectives and officials with the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency are investigating.

Whoever is responsible could face animal cruelty charges.

"They have a right to be frustrated," Patel said.

Patel said he understands the anger, but said that people should aim higher with their complaints because sinking to the level of killing an innocent animal doesn't help anyone.

"Me and my wife run this small business.  If they really want to make a change and give a message, you know, for example, take it in front of the White House lawn.  If you have problem with the gas prices, do something about it. What am I going to do about it?  I can't do anything about it, you know. I'm just the messenger," he said.

The gas station does not have surveillance cameras outside the store.

Officials said it is possible that the deer could be road kill because they haven't determined the cause of its death.

A report said only that the deer had trauma to the back part of its body.

Holder said however it died, tying it up and moving it to the gas station was the act of more than one person.