POLICE are investigating after three horses were killed and a further three injured at Gestüt Lewitz, the world-renowned breeding farm owned by Paul Schockemöhle. The German stud farm was targeted in a number of violent attacks on pastured horses, mostly pregnant broodmares, between September 11th and October 11th.

It is understood that the first dead mare was found in a pasture in mid-September with internal injuries to her abdomen. About 10 days later, another mare was discovered, also with external and internal injuries. The horse was still alive, but later died. Another attack followed on October 11th and this animal did not survive either.

The value of the deceased mares is estimated at several tens of thousands of euros. Police believe the attacks mostly occurred on weekends and are conducting an intensive investigation into what are severe violations of the German Animal Welfare Act.

The team at Schockemöhle expressed their shock over the horrific circumstances surrounding the deaths of the horses and have appealed to the public for information or witnesses. A €10,000 reward has been offered for information that directly leads to the arrest of the perpetrator(s).

“At our stud farm, serious incidents have occurred in which several of our horses on the outer pastures were severely injured and tragically died,” a statement from the Schockemöhle team read.

“The police have been intensively investigating this case for a long time. Based on the recommendation of the investigating authorities, we are now appealing to the public in order to reach potential witnesses and gather further information.

“We therefore particularly ask the people in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania for their assistance. Anyone who has made suspicious observations or can provide information that could contribute to solving these incidents is urgently asked to contact the responsible police department directly.

“The loss of our horses and the circumstances of their deaths have left us deeply devastated. This makes it all the more important to us that these events are fully investigated and resolved.”