SOUTH MIAMI-DADE, Fla. – A large number of animal bones have been found at what investigators say is a ritual killing site in South Miami-Dade.
The remains of ten dogs and one goat have been found since Monday in a wooded area near Southwest 87th Avenue and 232nd street. The location is right around the corner from the popular Black Point Marina.
Members of the Animal Recover Mission (ARM) were at the site on Friday and found an additional three dogs in the afternoon, including one in a canal.
It appears that all the animals had their lower jaws sawed in half.
ARM investigators also located a cocoon-like sack made of duct tape nailed to a tree that appeared to have contained dogs at one point.
A worker with the City of Cutler Bay told Local 10 that crews have discovered bags full of animal bones over the last three months.
Miami-Dade Animal Services confirmed that animal remains were found, but would not provide any other information. They added that an injured chihuahua that freed itself from the sack was found in the area by one of their officers.
Richard Cuoto, ARM's founder and CEO, believes the remains are left over from a religious ritual killing, although that has not been confirmed.
Florida law allows for the humane slaughter of animals for religious ceremony purposes.
Follow Local 10 News on Twitter @WPLGLocal10