Five horses are left with truncated tails in the second shearing incident in less than a year at a rural Cowichan property.
The disturbing discovery was made Jan. 12 when the horses' owner went to the barn to check on the animals.
"This cruel act of theft will have a negative impact on the comfort and well being of the horses, who rely on their tail for fending off biting and stinging insects," North Cowichan/Duncan RCMP spokeswoman Cpl. Krista Hobday said. She noted horsehair is used in the manufacture of craft products and ceremonial masks, although a motive for this specific theft has not been determined. Two horses at the same property were also targets of a similar attack in March of 2013. Police are still investigating whether the incidents are linked.
Those with information are encouraged to contact the North Cowichan/Duncan RCMP at 250-748-5522 or, if they'd rather remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).