Texas law enforcement authorities are hoping water samples can help determined what killed at least a dozen horses residing on a Webb County farm.

Brenda R. Medina-Moreno, public information officer for the Webb County Sheriff's Office, said the owner of the Los Cabezones Ranch near Aguilares reported Aug. 24 that 12 horses were found dead near a water well at the ranch. One other horse has not yet been located, Medina-Moreno said.

The Webb County Sheriff's Department is investigating the case, she said.

“Our detective and livestock investigator have been gathering more information from the owner, and have also collected water samples which were sent to the lab for testing,” Medina-Moreno said