The New York Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) is investigating the circumstances surrounding the shooting of two horses in that state.

Wendy A. Rosenbach, DEC spokeswoman, said two horses were shot by coyote hunters in West Sparta, near the Nunda town line, on Jan. 24.

One horse was killed in the incident while the other is receiving veterinary treatment, Rosenbach said.

Rosenbach said both of the hunters involved in the incident are licensed and had permission to hunt on the land where the incident occurred