At least 117 dead dogs found in search at California animal rescue accused of abuse, officials said

Authorities unearthed at least 117 dogs in “various states of decomposition” Friday, many of which appeared to have been killed by gunfire, as part of an ongoing investigation into an animal rescue organization.

California authorities unearthed at least 117 dogs in “various states of decomposition” Friday, many of which appeared to have been killed by gunfire, as part of an ongoing investigation into an animal rescue organization.

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The bodies were discovered during a search of Miranda’s Rescue in Fortuna, the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office said. Officials had been granted a warrant that included excavation of the property for evidence that dogs had been buried in “mass graves.”

The 117 sets of canine remains were found mostly intact at two sites, the sheriff’s office said. Nearly two dozen skulls, “hundreds” of bones and 600 dog collars were also recovered.