Attacks on horses are rare in Wales

RSPCA investigators say they have no idea why a mare was left with "horrific" wounds after being attacked in a field in the Rhymney Valley, south Wales.

The mutilated body of the six-year-old black and white mare was found when its owners went to release it from overnight stables.

The stable door was open and the horse was found in an adjoining field with five deep stab and slash wounds.

I wouldn't rule out the links to black magic as the wounds on the horse were exactly symmetrical, two to each flank and a slash to the horse's belly Rachel Jones, RSPCA

Several other horses in the stables had been left unharmed.

A spate of attacks of on horses have recently been reported in Scotland - where they were linked to black magic ceremonies - but according to the RSPCA, attacks on horses are rare in Wales.

RSPCA Investigator Rachel Jones told BBC News Online the attack was the most savage she had come across.

'Wounds'

She added: "I wouldn't rule out the links to black magic as the wounds on the horse were exactly symmetrical, two to each flank and a slash to the horse's belly.

"But it may not necessarily mean anything and it may just be someone who is sick in the head." "A very large knife was most probably the weapon and the wounds were very deep.

"I've never seen anything like this before.

No motive

Ms Jones added that investigators did not yet have a motive for the attack.

"We've got nothing to go on at the moment," she said.

"Nothing was left at the scene to help us.

"We've spoken to horse owners in the area and there has been nothing similar."

The attack happened overnight between Monday, 14 April and Tuesday, 15 April, in the fields behind Mountbatten housing estate, in Rhymney.

Anyone with information can contact the RSPCA on 08705 555 999.