Law enforcement authorities in Oregon are seeking whoever is responsible for the shooting deaths of three wild horses, including a pregnant mare, at the Ochoco National Forest near Prineville. The animals were among a herd of about 60 wild horses in the Big Summit Herd Management Area managed by the U.S. Forest Service.

Lisa Clark, public information officer for the Ochoco National Forest said that Crook County Sheriff’s Department personnel discovered the animals on March 14. A joint investigation by the Forest Service, the County Sheriff’s Department, and the Fish and Wildlife Division of the Oregon State Police revealed that the two stallions and the mare had sustained gunshot wounds, she said. A yearling accompanying the mare was unhurt.

The Crook County Sheriff’s Department is leading the investigation into the incident, said Undersheriff John Gautney. He said the department is following up on leads in the case, but declined to comment further on the ongoing investigation.

Clark said that if caught, those responsible could face federal charges