Owners have been urged to be on the alert after two horses were stabbed in the face in what is being described as a “very disturbing attack” with no apparent motive behind it.
Avon and Somerset Police are investigating after the mare and gelding were wounded at a yard in the Pitway Hill area of South Petherton, south Somerset, last week.
A spokesman for the force said both horses suffered cuts to their faces caused by “a sharp object, possibly a knife”, at some time between 10pm on Wednesday, 4 December, and 8.45am the next day.
(Image credit: creditUnknown)
Both horses needed emergency veterinary treatment including stitches and are both still under vets’ care.
Police community support officer Nikolaus Burge, from the Avon and Somerset neighbourhood team, said: “This is a very disturbing attack on two horses with no apparent motive.
“While offences like this are very rare, we’d encourage horse owners in the area to be vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the police.
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“If you’ve seen or heard anything suspicious around the Pitway Hill area of South Petherton on the night of the incident, or the days before, or are aware of any similar incidents which haven’t been reported to the police, please contact us via our website – or call 101 and give the call handler the reference number 5219281331.”
Anyone with information can also call Crimestoppers, in confidence, on 0800 555111.
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Eleanor is an experienced journalist who spent over eight years working for local and national newspapers before joining H&H as news editor in March 2016. Passionate about equine welfare and exposing the truth, Eleanor has reported on all aspects of the industry, from Brexit to anti-bullying campaigns, and from dressage rules to mules. Her sport of choice is showjumping, in which she competes her own horses, and she also enjoys reporting at local jumping shows through to international championships.
