BUTLER TOWNSHIP -- Pictures shared on social media show exposed ribs and other marks on two horses who were boarded in Luzerne County.
In the past two weeks, both of the horses have died at a self-boarding facilty in on Deep Hole Road in Drums.
Officials said while these pictures could show starvation, the horses' conditions could also be a result of old age since both horses were in their 20's.
The Luzerne County SPCA, Butler Township Police and the Luzerne County Aistrict attorney's office are investigating the deaths.
"The SPCA is in the process of getting an necropsy on the deceased horse," said Butler Township Police Chief Brian Sabatini.
Animal rights activists said it's likely these two deaths could have been prevented if someone would have just spoken up sooner.
The authorities were not contacted until December 7th, after the first horse died.
"They can call us. We're not going to implicate them, we won't mention their name. But call us in time so we can do something," said Denise Kumor from Tracey's Hope.
People who live on Deep Hole Road said it's hard to see this barn property considering it's under surveillance, there's a large gate and a bunch of trees blocking a lot of the horses. Many people said they never really got a good look.
"To be honest, if I would have known I really would have went down there myself and did something or said something," said Joshua Yencho from Drums.
The SPCA said a third horse is doing better, but since it's about 100 pounds underweight, it is not well enough to be transported from the property just yet.
The SPCA also said the necropsy results on one of the horses should be back next week and that would determine if any criminal charges against the horse owner would be filed.
