Horse found with mutilated genitals in Swanston Livery Yard Published duration 26 March 2013

image caption The 23-year-old Icelandic gelding, named Hrafn, was found bleeding heavily

A horse has been found badly mutilated at a livery yard in Edinburgh.

The 23-year-old Icelandic gelding, named Hrafn, was found bleeding heavily in a field at Swanston Livery Yard on Thursday.

Hrafn's penis had been cut and was hanging on by the urethra. He required emergency surgery to remove his penis.

Insp John Toule, of the Scottish SPCA, said: "The vet advised that Hrafn sustained a clean cut with a sharp metal instrument."

He added: "They have also said that this appears to have been a malicious attack.

"Hrafn was found by his owner on Thursday morning. She had last visited him on Wednesday evening, therefore we believe the incident occurred either late on Wednesday night or in the early hours of Thursday morning."

'Difficult to comprehend'

Insp Toule said the horse had lost a lot of blood and, although he was still standing, was very weak.

"It is difficult to comprehend why anyone would do this to a defenceless animal and this attack is extremely concerning," he said.

"Causing an animal unnecessary suffering is an offence and anyone found guilty of doing so can expect to be banned from owning animals for a fixed period or life."

Hrafn's owner, who wishes to remain anonymous, said: "This was a cowardly and cruel act.

"Thankfully, Hrafn is recovering well but he is clearly traumatised.