Five horses have been killed in Pearland, south of Houston, in less than four months, according to police.
The Pearland Police Department says the latest horse deaths were discovered on Saturday when two pets were found butchered.
The suspects then removed the animals backstraps and the front and hindquarters leading investigators to believe the animal was killed for its meat, police said.
The Pearland Police Department (is) encouraging horse owners and residents to be vigilant and report all suspicious activities, police said in a release.
Officers are asking anyone with information to contact the Pearland Police Department at 281-997-4202 or email a detective at JPage@PearlandTx.Gov.