The corpses of seven cats and one dog, who died mysteriously, were found near Artesia's local animal shelter.

"Finding animals like this, dead, especially in the vicinity of the animal shelter and this many is real unusual," Sgt. Lindell Smith of the Artesia Police Department said. "And [it's] disturbing to us as well."

Police believe the animals did not die of natural causes because they showed no signs of trauma.

Recently Artesia residents were having problems with stray animals roaming around the small community, according to the police.

The body of the dog was found close to a bike rack at Roselawn Elementary School.

"It's an incident that affects everybody in the neighborhood, dogs and kids included," Smith said.

The animal bodies were sent to the New Mexico Department of Agriculture to determine cause of death.

Extreme cruelty to animals is a fourth-degree felony.

Police are encouraging anyone with information to call Artesia Crime Stoppers at 575-748-2323.

Reference:

KRQE