Law enforcement authorities in South Carolina are investigating circumstances surrounding the death of a horse in Lancaster County.

Lancaster County Undersheriff Major Matt Shaw said the horse’s owner reported finding the animal wounded in its pasture on Aug. 6. The owners observed three small wounds on the horse, he said. The wounds were reportedly located on the horse’s neck, hip, and shoulder.

"It appears from the report that the horse was found dead in the pasture," Shaw said. "Whether or not the wounds were caused by gunshots is under investigation