Arizona authorities are seeking those responsible for the dragging-associated death of a horse near Colorado City.

Colorado City Marshal’s Office Sergeant Sam Johnson said police responded to a call from a passerby that saw an injured horse lying near the roadside on April 15. Further investigation revealed that a 2-year-old filly was allegedly taken out of her pasture and dragged behind a vehicle for more than 20 feet. Both the horse’s back legs were broken when she was found, he said, and she was euthanized at the scene.

Johnson believes the horse was deliberately injured.

“My opinion of it is that it was malicious,” he said