Officials: Horse attacks in the Carolinas were boars, not stabbings

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    Polk County (WLOS) — Authorities now say five of six horses injured or killed in the upstate of South Carolina and in Polk County this fall were attacked by wild boars.

A joint investigation conducted by numerous law enforcement agencies in the Upstate, including the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED), regarding a rash of horse attacks has been closed.

The Greenville County Sheriff’s Office, Spartanburg County Sheriff’s Office, Spartanburg County Environmental Enforcement Division, Polk County Sheriff’s Office in North Carolina and SLED have concluded that based on evidence that the possible horse attacks are the results of altercations with wild boars in the area.

In a press release, SLED confirms, animal tracks consistent with hogs, video evidence and the sighting of boars in the area support the conclusion.

The investigation into a horse shooting that happened in November in Greenville County remains under investigation and is separate and not connected to the investigation. Three of the horses were killed or had to be euthanized.

“While all of these incidents were extremely unfortunate, I am very thankful for the men and women who worked tirelessly to investigate these cases,” said Greenville County Sheriff Johnny Mack Brown. “In addition, I want to convey to our community members that our agency has and will continue to patrol these rural areas to ensure our citizens and their respective animals are safe and secure and for them to know that we have an active open channel of communication for anyone who has questions or concerns.”

The population of wild boars in the area has significantly increased in the last several years. To help control the increasing population of wild boars, DNR has authorized hunting during the day and night of these animals with a special permit.

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