Law enforcement authorities in St. Martin Parish, La., are hoping the public can help them identify those responsible for abandoning four malnourished horses earlier this week.

St. Martin Parish Sheriff’s Office Public Information Officer Maj. Ginny Higgins said that three of the horses were discovered near death and abandoned on July 16. The fourth was found on July 17. All four of the animals were in urgent of veterinary care due to extreme neglect and malnutrition, she said. Two of the animals were humanely euthanized due their poor condition, she said.

If caught, those responsible for abandoning the three animals found on July 16 could face three counts of aggravated cruelty to animals and three counts of horses at large, Higgins said. Those responsible for abandoning the horse found on July 17 could face one court of simple cruelty to animals and one court of horse at large.

Anyone with information about those responsible for abandoning the horses should call the St. Martin Parish Sheriff’s Office at 337/394-3071