Devastated farmer John Tomlinson, 48, of Wheldale Lane, made the sickening discovery after returning home from a wedding on Sunday morning.
He found his seven-year-old Rottweiler and five-year-old lurcher both lying in pools of blood in their kennels and realised a second lurcher was missing.
He told the Express: "They had both been shot in the head with a shotgun. There was blood everywhere.


"It looked they had gone right up to each of the dogs' heads and fired.
"I found two cartridges, which have been taken away by police for forensic testing.
"It was really bad.
"My wife was so upset when she saw them, she just went straight into the house.


"We have had those dogs all their lives. The Rottweiler was a guard dog which barked at anything, but it would have licked anyone to death before it bit anyone.
"We just don't know why it happened. Nothing else was touched or stolen.
"We have been racking our brains to think what it could be over, but can't think of anything.
"I just hope the police catch whoever did this."


The missing lurcher is described as a red brindle seven-year-old.
An RSPCA spokewoman said: "This sounds like a horrendous incident.
"Obviously we are very concerned about the welfare of the third dog, which I understand hasn't been seen since.
"Causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal is an offence which is punishable by law, and if found guilty those responsible face a maximum of six months in prison and/or £20,000 fine.
"Anyone who knows anything about what happened, or the whereabouts of the missing dog, should contact the police immediately."


PC Christopher Waring, who attended the horrific scene, said: "This is a despicable act which has caused great upset to the owners and at this time there appears to be no motive for the crime."
Witnesses or anyone with information should contact PC Waring on 01924 206204.