This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.
You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/int/news/-/news/uk-england-cornwall-16501650
The article has changed 3 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
Version 1 | Version 2 |
---|---|
Satanic link to Cornwall horse mutilation investigated | Satanic link to Cornwall horse mutilation investigated |
(about 2 hours later) | |
Police investigating the mutilation of a horse in Cornwall have said they "cannot rule out" a link with a Satanic ritual. | |
The stallion was found dead in a field in Stithians on Monday with knife injuries to its head and body. | |
The attack, which happened shortly after St Winebald Day - a date on the Satanic calendar - has prompted speculation of a ritualistic killing. | |
"Obviously that is one line we're going to pursue," Insp Chris Strickland said. | |
But he added it was not "the only line" officers were investigating. | |
The officer from Devon and Cornwall Police said he was aware of discussions on internet forums linking the killing to a Satanic ritual and, although it was a "strong possibility", he insisted police also had other leads. | |
Mr Strickland said he was keeping an open mind on the subject. | |
"I have done my own research on the internet and there are people out there who have these beliefs and so that is a strong possibility, but there are other leads we have got as well and other possibilities or motives," he said. | |
The horse was attacked between 16:00 GMT on Sunday and midday on Monday. | |
The horse's owner, Dawn Jewell, said she was devastated by what had happened to the horse she had raised from a foal. | |
Her mother, Vivien Allaway, said they were both "well aware" of rumours and speculation about Satanic links. | |
"It's not based on fact, but it's plausible so we can't dismiss it," she said. | |
Insp Strickland said the force was taking the killing seriously. | |
'Beyond belief' | 'Beyond belief' |
"If they able to do that to a horse, what else are they capable of doing?" he said. | |
"There's a rural community out there who are going to be very worried and frightened by what's happened." | |
Initial post-mortem tests on the two-year-old stallion named Erik were carried out by a vet at the scene and a full forensic examination will be conducted. | |
A Devon horse lover has offered a £2,000 reward for information leading to the capture of the attacker. | A Devon horse lover has offered a £2,000 reward for information leading to the capture of the attacker. |
Graham Rickard said: "It's a poor defenceless animal and it's a sick crime. I hope they get caught." | Graham Rickard said: "It's a poor defenceless animal and it's a sick crime. I hope they get caught." |
Animal lovers, including the BBC horseracing presenter Clare Balding, have been making their feelings of horror known in large numbers via Twitter. | Animal lovers, including the BBC horseracing presenter Clare Balding, have been making their feelings of horror known in large numbers via Twitter. |
Maureen Rolls, of South West Equine Protection, said it was the worst case of horse mutilation she had seen in 30 years. | Maureen Rolls, of South West Equine Protection, said it was the worst case of horse mutilation she had seen in 30 years. |
"It's appalling. We have had cases of cutting the hair on manes and tails, but this is beyond that. | "It's appalling. We have had cases of cutting the hair on manes and tails, but this is beyond that. |
"I can't understand how anyone could do this." | |
Dyfed-Powys Police have confirmed they are investigating an attack on a pony in Carmarthenshire on 5 January which saw the animal suffer similar injuries to Erik. | Dyfed-Powys Police have confirmed they are investigating an attack on a pony in Carmarthenshire on 5 January which saw the animal suffer similar injuries to Erik. |