Law enforcement authorities in California are seeking whoever is responsible for transporting two horses to a rural location then fatally shooting the animals in the head.

Humboldt County Sheriff’s Deputy Todd Fulton said he discovered the pair of sorrel geldings while responding to a call for service in Fortuna, Calif. The caller reported seeing someone transport the two horses into the area and remove them from a horse trailer. The caller then reported hearing gunshots.

Fulton said both horses appeared to be in good condition prior to the shooting.

"I expected to find two older horses near death, but these horses were well-cared for," he said. "I don’t know why someone would want to dispatch them in this way