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Police investigating after body of goat, horse found dumped in field

BRANCH COUNTY, Mich. (NEWSCHANNEL 3) – Michigan State Police are investigating a case of animal cruelty after the bodies of a goat and horse were dumped in Coldwater Township near the intersection of Hurley and Hodunk Road.

Troopers say they were contacted by the property owner after he discovered the bodies in a field.

The horse was light brown in color with a distinctive blonde mane. The goat was black in color.

Troopers have asked Newschannel 3 to share the image of the animals in hopes that it will help in identifying the owners.

Troopers say the horse appeared to have been extremely malnourished or starved. It also appeared to have dragged or lain in the mud prior to being moved to where it was discovered.

The animals were located by a neighbor who was walking her dogs through the field.

An investigator says that the animals did not appear to have been dead for more than 24 hours prior to their discovery.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Michigan State Police Coldwater Post at 517-278-2373.