While law enforcement authorities probe the strangulation death of a horse in Berkeley County, West Virginia, the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) is hoping a reward will lead to those responsible for the incident.

Berkeley County Animal Control Officer Eric Squires said sherriff's department personnel responded to a call on July 21 from owners reporting that their horse had been found with a towing strap tightly wound around its neck. The animal's throat and tongue were swollen and the airway was so restricted that it made the horse's breathing extremely difficult, he said. The horse was subsequently euthanized, Squires said.

Squires said Berkeley County Deputy Michael St. Clair was investigating the case. St. Clair was unavailable for comment.

In written statement, HSUS West Virginia State Director Summer Wyatt said the agency was offering a $5,000 cash reward to anyone providing information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for the incident