Photo unrelated to article. [Getty Images Bank]
Photo unrelated to article. [Getty Images Bank]

Authorities have launched an investigation after 117 dog carcasses were discovered at a California animal shelter, many showing signs of gunshot wounds.

The Humboldt County Sheriff's Office said a multi-day search of the Miranda Rescue Animal Shelter site in Fortuna turned up 117 dog carcasses, 21 dog skulls and hundreds of bones, according to The New York Times and other local media on Friday. X-rays of 70 of the recovered carcasses revealed what appeared to be bullet fragments in a significant number of them.

Investigators also identified a space inside a shelter barn believed to be where the dogs were killed. More than 600 dog collars were also found at the site.

The investigation began after the whereabouts of more than 730 animals entrusted to the shelter since January last year could not be confirmed.

Authorities are also examining whether animal abuse occurred during the shelter's operations and whether its operators committed fraud against the animals' former owners.


choigo@heraldcorp.com