Two horses are receiving rehabilitative care after Louisiana law enforcement authorities found them injured and apparently abandoned in St. Tammany Parrish.

The St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Office said in a statement that deputies answered a call about three horses abandoned in a secluded are near Pearl River on May 4. Upon arrival, investigators found the animals showing signs of malnutrition and abuse, the statement said. One of the horses appeared to have a broken or badly injured leg, the statement said.

The horses’ injuries prevented them from being moved on the evening they were found, so deputies and Animal Services Department personnel stayed with them overnight, the statement said. The following day, a veterinarian evaluated the horses. Two of the horses were subsequently placed in Animal Services’ custody while the third was euthanized at the scene due to the severity of his injuries, the statement said.

St. Tammany Parish Sheriff’s Department detectives and Animal Services Personnel are investigating the case