Editor's note: These images may be disturbing to some viewers.

HEBRON, Md.- Authorities are investigating after at least 25 dead horses were found on a rural property in western Wicomico County, Maryland late Friday morning.

Lt. Tim Robinson of the Wicomico County Sheriff's Office said that at around 11 a.m. Friday, the Sheriff's Office, in conjunction with Wicomico County Animal Control, began an investigation into the report of the presence of deceased horses on the property located in the 6000 block of Cherrywalk Road outside of Hebron.

Robinson said when they arrived on the scene, investigators located the dead horses. At this time the investigation is ongoing into what caused the deaths of these horses and how long they have been there, according to Robinson.

The observed remains were in various states of decay, Robinson noted.

Sheriff Mike Lewis told WBOC on Friday that his deputies had been called to this house on numerous occasions in the past, but never for a call or complaint this extreme.

"Not a few times. Not a dozen times. But dozens of times over the years. And these horses have gotten our dozens of times and they have trampled people's flower beds and trampled their yards. There have been several near accidents with the horses in the roadway," Sheriff Lewis said.

Lewis added that he does not recall any calls related to the horses being malnourished or not being properly cared for. The calls and complaints have always been about the horses getting out, according to the Sheriff. But now that authorities have seen the condition of the horses, including the more than two dozen dead horses on the property, its possible that this investigation leads to charges.

"Absolutely. Well certainly animal neglect, but it could be animal cruelty based on what our investigation finds out and what it concludes," Lewis added."

Investigators and members from animal control are expected to be at the Hebron property over the weekend. The next step in the investigation will be removing several of the dead horses so a cause of death can be determined.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office at 410-548-4891.

Some of the dead horses found on the property outside Hebron. (Photo: Chopper 16)