CHAPARRAL, NM. - Children on their way to and from school in Chaparral have been walking just inches from a dead horse left out in the desert.

An unknown owner left his horse far down a dirt road, however Sheriff's Deputies say this is not animal cruelty. The problem they say, was pranksters who dragged it back just feet from Chaparral Elementary and Middle School.

Deputies tell ABC-7 the horse has been at the spot since Tuesday, covered only by a small blanket

An ABC-7 crew was on hand as middle schoolers ran right past this dead horse during Wednesday's track practice.

Officials add that a couple of kids dragged the horse to the edge of the dirt path, and even right in front of the school all for fun.

Angry residents question why the children were allowed to get so close to it. Other say if Chaparral was an incorporated city, it could've dealt with this problem sooner, rather than waiting two days for animal authorities to bury it.

On Thursday afternoon, County workers arrived and finally buried the horse.