Warning: This article contains distressing content.
The miniature horse who was stabbed more than 40 times on Sunday has died.
On Monday police were notified of the attack on Star, 10, after a man walking past his Waitati paddock heard distressed noises.
He found a trail of blood leading down the road, which led him to Star who had been untethered and stabbed 41 times. The puncture wounds just missed his jugular and spine, and he lost a lot of blood.
The horse was rushed to the Otago Equine Hospital in Mosgiel where he underwent a five-hour operation. Sadly Star has since died, his owner has confirmed to Newshub.
Police believe Star was attacked around midnight on Sunday.
"Subsequent vet assessment has revealed the injuries to the horse appear to have been caused by a blade or similar," a spokesperson told Newshub.
An investigation has been opened and police urge anyone with any information to get in touch with their local station.
"Police are as horrified as everyone else that this animal has been attacked," Inspector Matenga Gray says.
A Givealittle page to raise money for his vet bill has been closed.
Newshub.
