Police in San Luis Obispo County are hoping the public can help them identify those responsible for shooting two Arabian horses at the Varian Arabians horse ranch in Arroyo Grande, Calif., last Wednesday night.

Ranch staff discovered the two wounded mares in their pasture early Thursday. Both animals sustained gunshot wounds, said San Luis Obispo County Sheriff's Department Spokesman Rob Bryn. One mare was euthanized at the scene. The other is undergoing treatment at a nearby equine medical center.

The shootings appear to be deliberate, Bryn said. He declined to disclose further details.

If caught, those responsible could face felony animal cruelty charges and penalties including significant jail time