Niagara Regional Police are investigating what they describe as a “disturbing act of animal cruelty” after eight horses were found injured — one fatally — at Eagle Wing Ranch, a family-run hunter/jumper facility and boarding stable east of Welland, Ontario, early Thursday morning, July 31st.
Niagara Regional Police Service (NRPS) officers responded to the scene at the equestrian facility on Buchner Road after ranch staff discovered the horses with wounds “consistent with cuts and stab wounds,” according to a police statement released Friday. One horse was found dead, while another was transported to the emergency veterinary clinic in Guelph. The remaining six horses were treated on-site.
Veterinarian Matt Nugent, who was called to the ranch at 7 a.m. Thursday, noted that the injuries were strikingly similar, with all the wounds in the same location — the left side of the neck “where the jugular would be,” Nugent told CBC News.
Amanda Janssen, a representative of the farm, shared the emotional toll of the incident in a Facebook post. “We have no words to describe the shock and devastation our barn staff and family felt as yesterday unfolded. It felt like a terrible dream you were begging to wake up from. The grief is heavy as we mourn the loss of a very special horse and the injuries of 7 others. We are still reeling trying to make sense of something so unnecessary and evil.”
Police believe the incident occurred between 11 p.m. Wednesday and 6 a.m. Thursday. Investigators from the Forensic Services Unit have examined the scene and are reaching out to surrounding jurisdictions to determine whether similar cases have occurred elsewhere. As the investigation continues, authorities are appealing to anyone who may have been in the area during those hours — especially drivers with dash-cam footage — to come forward.
Anyone with information is urged to contact the Niagara Regional Police at 905-688-4111, option 3, extension 1009487, or submit an anonymous tip through Crime Stoppers.
A GoFundMe page has also been launched, with donations currently nearing $50,000. Plans for the funds include:
- Clearing all the vet bills for the horses that were injured during the attack
- Covering the vet bills for the horse at OVC while she undergoes ongoing treatment.
- Installing a security system at Eagle Wing this week and ensuring a short-term security fund for the farm to provide services as needed.
- Arranging a memorial gift for the owner of the horse who was killed.
- Arranging trauma counselling for the staff and clients who would like help and support in processing this horrific event. Helping Amanda with any lost revenue short-term as a consequence of this tragedy.
- Talking with police to see if any funds could be earmarked for a reward in finding out who did this.
- Determining how additional funds can best be distributed to assist with security systems at other barns
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