CHAPMAN, Neb. (AP) — Merrick County authorities have been investigating the shooting deaths of two St. Bernard dogs.

A mail carrier found the carcasses of Sam and Katie on Monday afternoon in a roadside ditch on the southern end of the county, about 3½ miles southwest of Chapman. The dogs were owned by Carol Larson.

Sheriff Kevin Campbell says the dogs were shot at least three times each. He says he doesn’t know whether they were shot there or their carcasses were just dumped there. A search of the area didn’t uncover any shell casings or other evidence.