Officials in Bath County are looking into a case of animal cruelty involving nearly 60 horses. The horses were found near the Salt Lick community off of Kentucky Road 211.

Bath County Animal Control confirmed nine horses are dead and more than four dozen horses remain, many in bad shape.

Animal Control Officer Roger Tapp went on the farm and fed the horses himself. He says it's still unclear what caused them to die.

It's now launched an ongoing investigation to see if any criminal charges will be filed.

A veterinarian is expected to be at the farm this week. The county has donated salt and mineral blocks to feed the horses.