In a grisly discovery, the remains of more than 100 dogs were found at a northern California animal sanctuary during an investigation into suspected animal cruelty, authorities said.

The Humboldt County Sheriff’s Department said the remains were found during an investigation Friday into suspected animal cruelty and a search warrant was executed at an animal sanctuary in Fortuna, Calif.

"During the excavation, investigators recovered 117 intact canine remains from two dig sites. An additional 21 canine skulls, hundreds of bones, and six loose microchips were located in another dig location near where the intact animals were discovered," the sheriff's department revealed.

Sheriff’s investigators said they also found an area inside a barn believed to be where the dogs were likely killed

“This investigation is just getting started. There is a tremendous amount of data to process, witnesses to interview, and evidence to examine," Sheriff William F. Honsal said. "The Major Crimes Division is laser focused on this case and will continue working with our state and federal partners to examine every lead.

"We are grateful for the investigative teams from the county, state, and federal government. We are also grateful to the private forensic veterinarians who performed the necropsies on site. The determination all of these professionals showed while working through this horrific scene is something we will not forget," he added.