This is not an easy story for people to read, but it's an important one for everyone to read because that could help lead police to whoever is responsible for a horrible discovery made in Cottage Grove, Minnesota.

Cottage Grove Police reached out to the public recently looking for Information related to a potential animal cruelty incident that could ultimately lead to felony charges.

According to a Sunday post on the Cottage Grove Minnesota Public Safety Facebook page, at around 12:30 PM Sunday, October 15, one of their officers discovered 8 deceased dogs that had been left in the tree line along Grey Cloud Island Drive, near Grey Cloud Island Trail.

The dogs were a smaller variety including a Schnauzer and other similar-sized white dogs which could also be a terrier breed. Officers observed that all of the dogs were of smaller variety, ranging in age from puppy age to adult.

They added that they believed the 8 dogs had been very recently left at that location, which is alongside the road where a "porta potty" is placed between a large culvert and the bridge on Grey Cloud Island.

The Animal Humane Society in Golden Valley is assisting with the investigation of this incident and they're hoping that the public will be able to provide assistance:

If you were in the area and saw a vehicle stopped near there or know if someone now missing several dogs like described or have any other information to help us identify those responsible for this, please contact Officer Tou Vue at 651.458.6052 or tvue@cottagegrovemn.gov.

MIX 108 logo
Get our free mobile app

In an interview with KSTP 5 Eyewitness News, Cottage Grove Community Engagement Officer Dan Shoen said, “We really realize that this evokes quite a bit of an emotional response from people. We don’t know the full details yet but what I do know is if people can’t take care of their animals, please don’t do this. We have people that want to help you and want to take your animals.”

Any tipsters who help authorities with this case can remain anonymous.

LOOK: The most popular dog names of 2022 in every state

Hey dog lovers, check out this awesome list of the most popular dog names in 2022 for every state, and get ready for some serious cuteness overload.

Gallery Credit: Amber Spencer-Knowles

RANKED: Here Are the 63 Smartest Dog Breeds

Does your loyal pup's breed make the list? Read on to see if you'll be bragging to the neighbors about your dog's intellectual prowess the next time you take your fur baby out for a walk. Don't worry: Even if your dog's breed doesn't land on the list, that doesn't mean he's not a good boy--some traits simply can't be measured.

Gallery Credit: Sabienna Bowman

More From MIX 108