Arkansas authorities search for depraved killers who gunned down 57 dogs in remote wooded area

Police in Searcy, Arkansas are looking for the person -- or persons -- who killed 57  dogs in a remote wooded area using guns and poison, KY3 is reporting.

Authorities say that two workers from a local lumber mill were scouting in the area looking for timber stands when they stumbled upon the killing ground, littered with dozens of dead dogs.

According to John Magruder, shelter manager for the Searcy County Humane Society, it was a horrific sight.

"I don't really have any words for what it makes me feel like," Magruder said, his voice cracking as he searched for survivors. "I've worked with dogs all my life and I love them a whole bunch and I just don't deal well with this, but I'm doing my best so I can save the ones I can."

"This is my first in 25 years of law enforcement. I've never seen anything like this," said Sheriff Joey Pruitt. "Systematically just start shooting and just leaving them lying and not even making sure that they're dead? You know, I just can't imagine somebody doing that."

Saying he didn't believe the dogs were stolen pets, the sheriff explained they have recovered evidence and that they're still processing and that he believes the dogs were fed poison before being shot. According to the sheriff, the person or persons responsible for the massacre could be facing felony charges and he is asking locals for tips.

At the humane society, where they are taking care of several recovered dogs who were only wounded or escaped, staffers are in complete shock.

"They could have found homes for these dogs. Why? Just why?" said Jean Passmore as she burst into tears.

Watch video below from KY3: