A man and a woman are facing criminal charges in northern Minnesota after investigators found an estimated 250 cats and dogs living in filthy conditions — and returned weeks later to a pile of ash and bones while most of the animals were missing.

Police in northern Minnesota are investigating what happened to more than 150 missing cats and dogs in an animal mistreatment case. They're still unaccounted for after dozens of other animals were removed from atrocious conditions.

Two suspects are facing criminal charges in connection with the alleged mistreatment of over 250 animals at their property in northern Minnesota. Authorities in Beltrami County allege 64 maltreated animals have been seized from the home in Hines Township and 170 animals are unaccounted as investigators comb through animal bones allegedly found on the property.

Authorities said 64 dogs and cats were removed from the property last week, and brought to Animal Humane Society in the Twin Cities. But deputies had counted well over 200 animals on previous visits