DENVER -- A search warrant was executed at a boarding facility already in trouble for animal cruelty because a woman believed her horse might be buried there.

The owner of the facility, Troy Beattie, 39, was arrested March 12 because of the very poor conditions of 22 horses found on his Weld County property.

Officers went back to 17998 Weld County Road 32 on Monday, and using large construction equipment, found one dead horse in an eight foot hole, which may include other carcasses.

"The hole that they're digging in could possibly have several horses in it. We won't know until they complete the dig and complete pulling everything out of the hole," said Shane Scofield, a Weld County Sheriff's spokesperson.

Deputies said they will use horseshoes and brands to help identify the horse or possibly send hair samples to Colorado State University to be cross referenced with hair samples from existing databases.

Beattie already faces 22 counts of aggravated cruelty to animals, and if he is convicted could face more than 20 years in prison. The discovery on Monday could also mean additional charges.

"Nobody is ever happy to work on something like this. They realize it needs to be done. It's just another step in the process before it goes to court. They need to make sure that everything is done properly," said Scofield.

All 22 horses found on Beattie's property in March are in the care of either family or associates of Beattie.

Beattie is due in court later this week.