Horse tails cut off by attackers

Three horses had their tails cut off in fields in rural Stirling

Police have launched an investigation after three horses had their tails cut off in rural Stirling.

The animals were targeted in fields around the Thornhill area between 27 October and Tuesday 10 November.

A spokeswoman for Central Scotland Police said at least six inches had been taken from the horses' tails.

She added that the animals affected were being cared for by their owners. The force has appealed for anyone with information to contact them.

Ch Insp Kevin Findlater said: "We are keen to speak to anyone who saw anything suspicious or who has information regarding these incidents.

"This not only poses a risk to the horses themselves but causes considerable distress to the horse's owners.

"We want to ensure the people behind these crimes are stopped and ask that anyone who has any information at all to contact us."