The police in Halland are currently investigating eight suspected attacks on horses in 2020. A veterinarian who examined several of the animals believes that the injuries could not have occurred naturally.
But it is not only in Sweden that there is a wave of attacks on horses.
In France, the police are now flagging several extremely serious attacks.
Attacks shake France
The first suspected attack in France was reported as early as February this year and as the number of cases has increased, it has developed into a mystery for French authorities, reports the news agency AP.
Most often, the horses have been found with one ear cut off, other times the perpetrators have cut out an eye, and in some cases the animals have been drained of blood.
The police have therefore gone out on social media and urged people to report both suspicious individuals and behaviors in connection with equestrian centers and other places with many horses.
"We know nothing"
Horse attacks are not a new phenomenon, either in France or in other countries.
This year's attacks, on the other hand, are unparalleled in terms of the number of cases in relation to the short period of time, according to the police.
The authority states that it is difficult to understand the motives behind the act, and says that at present they do not know anything about who or who is to blame.
It is not clear if it is some kind of ritual, a "macabre" trophy hunt or if "challenges" on social media may have triggered the attacks, says a spokesman for the police according to British The Independent.
- We know nothing, it is very traumatic.
Confrontation on farm
French Agriculture Minister Julien Denormandie has also reacted to the attacks, saying "every effort is being made to end terrorism".
On at least one occasion, knife-wielding men were confronted by pet owners, but then both perpetrators managed to escape.
Both the owner and two horses were injured in the attack.