ORONO (AP) – A female horse was sexually assaulted at the University of Maine’s research farm, the second such incident in less than a year.
A foreign object was inserted forcibly into the horse’s reproductive organs with enough force to cause internal damage and bleeding, said Noel March, director of UM’s public safety department. He said the abuse took place Tuesday night.
“We are outraged,” March said. “This is the type of incident that shocks the conscience.”
The assault was identical to the sexual assault of a 20-year-old mare last August. No arrests were made in that case and it remains under investigation.
March wasn’t willing to discuss suspects but said police are considering the possibility that both acts were committed by the same person or persons.
A misdemeanor charge of cruelty to animals carries penalties of a $1,000 fine, one year in jail or both.
The animal was found in her stall around 6 a.m. Wednesday by staff of the Witter Teaching and Research Center. The horse appeared to be injured or ill, March said.
The horse is being treated and is expected to recover.
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