Law enforcement authorities in Florida are investigating the death of a horse discovered near a canal in Miami-Dade County apparently slaughtered for its meat.

The incident is the latest in a series of slayings involving horses slaughtered for their meat. Since 2009 the butchered remains of more than 20 horses have been discovered in Miami-Dade County. Most recently on Oct. 20, 2011, the butchered remains of a Thoroughbred horse were discovered alongside a road in northwest Miami-Dade County.

According to an incident report from the Miami-Dade County Police Department, police personnel discovered the dismembered horse on Dec. 26 after a tipster reported finding the animal’s remains. The horse appeared to have been slaughtered at another location before its remains were discarded near the canal, the report said.

Jeanette Jordan, president of the South Florida Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals said personnel from her agency also responded to the scene. The animal appeared to have been shod and in good condition before it was killed and its meat harvested, she said