The horses were found by a member of the public late on Thursday at a property about 60km north of Longreach, with initial investigations indicating the animals were killed sometime between Tuesday and Wednesday, police say.

The owner of the property was not home at the time of the incident.

Police say colts, mares, pregnant mares, geldings, and mares with foals afoot died as a result of multiple gunshot wounds.

Detective Sergeant Allan Cook says the impact of such an incident is damaging to the local community.

“That is why the Queensland Police Service is working extremely closely with partner agencies to identify the person or people responsible,” Det Sgt Cook said.

“We are strongly appealing to anyone with information to talk to police immediately.”

Police are searching the 5000 acre property for additional wounded or dead horses.

They are appealing for anyone who may have seen any suspicious activity on Cramsie Muttaburra Rd since Tuesday to come forward.