Dogs found skinned, mutilated in rural Colorado

(CBS/KCNC) BERTHOUD, Colo. - Investigators in Colorado are now searching for the person responsible for two dogs found mutilated last week outside of Berthoud, about 45 miles north of Denver.

The dogs, which were discovered a few miles apart in Larimer County, were so badly abused that experts could not tell what breed they were, reports CBS Denver.

The first dog was reportedly found after an anonymous call on Wednesday. Police said the animal was skinned and beheaded, with the tail removed.

On Saturday the second dog was found skinned, with it's ears and paws cut off, reports local station KMGH.

Investigators say they have no leads so far and remain unsure if the cases are linked to the dozens of reported missing pets that have come in over the past few days, reports CBS Denver.

"We just get so many animals that come into Larimer Humane Society that are stray every year and at this point we don't even know the specific breed of the animals," said Humane Society spokeswoman Marcie Willms.

According to CBS Denver, authorities say the perpetrators could face felony charges.

Investigators said they are performing autopsies on the two dogs to determine if they were killed by human hands.