Act of 'disturbing' cruelty leaves 1 horse dead and several others injured at Welland, Ont., ranch

One horse was killed and several others injured in Welland, Ont. after what Niagara police called a "disturbing act of animal cruelty."

Police said in a news release on Friday, staff at a horse boarding farm found several horses with injuries "consistent with cuts and stab wounds" on Thursday morning.

Eight horses were targeted, police said. One was found dead at the scene, another was moved to an emergency vet in Guelph, Ont., and the others were treated at the farm.

CBC News confirmed the farm was Eagle Wing Ranch on 426 Buchner Rd. in Welland. The ranch is described as a "family owned and operated hunter/jumper facility."

Niagara police constable Richard Hingley told CBC News the horses at the ranch were there for "several reasons," such as riding and shows. Other horses were pets "to other people who don't have farms," he said.

Amanda Janssen at the ranch said they were "reeling" and "grieving" and asked for privacy.

In a Facebook post, Janssen said there were "no words to describe the shock and devastation our barn staff and family felt as yesterday unfolded."

"It felt like a terrible dream you were begging to wake up from. The grief is heavy as we mourn the loss of a very special horse and the injuries of 7 others," Janssen said in the post.

Hingley said in his experience, he had never seen any "personal attack" on horses. He said in attending other incidents involving these animals and having friends who own them, he knows "horses are not pets to their owners, they're family members."

"When there is a tragic loss to a horse, it's extremely devastating to the individuals," he added.

Hingley said the ranch owners "have no idea" who could have targeted the ranch or horses.

"We have to be open to everything, whether someone is upset with the ranch, whether someone is upset with a particular horse owner or all avenues in between there," he said.

Niagara police said the investigation is ongoing and their Forensic Services Unit went to the scene and "conducted a thorough examination for evidence." Police are also asking other jurisdictions in the area if they've had similar reports.

Hingley the incident happened between 11 p.m. on July 30 and 6 a.m. on July 31.

"What we are appealing for right now is for anyone that may have been in the area driving at that time to go back, check their dash cam footage if they have some," he said.

Police are asking anyone with information to contact them at 905-688-4111, option 3, extension 1009487 or give an anonymous tip to Crime Stoppers.