PLYMOUTH - Police in Plymouth are investigating the death of a pony after its dismembered remains were found in trash bags on the side of a road.

Authorities say the remains were discovered Wednesday by prison inmates who were cleaning up the area along Route 262 as part of a work release program.

Police say they do not know how the animal died and have asked for the public's help in identifying the animal.

Assistant Police Chief Robert Wright told the Republican-American that it appears the bags with the animal's remains were thrown from a vehicle because no footprints were found.