A reindeer belonging to Idre sameby was found severely injured near Idre with both ears cut off and a cut across its throat. The animal had to be euthanized, and the incident is being investigated as suspected hate crime and animal cruelty. Sameby chair Peter Andersson called it horrific.
On Monday, Idre sameby discovered a reindeer with ears severed to the head and a deep cut across the throat during reindeer separation near Idre. The incident occurred during the winter but was only found now, leaving the animal so distressed it had to be euthanized.
Peter Andersson, chair of Idre sameby, said: “It is horrific.” He described it as animal cruelty and interpreted it as a possible hate crime. “One gets upset. One thinks about how the reindeer must have suffered,” he added, hoping for tips from the public.
A police report has been filed for animal cruelty and vandalism. A preliminary investigation has begun, but police spokesperson said the probe is not active currently as no suspect exists. Idre sameby has not faced similar incidents before, though other samebyar have experienced threats and reindeer injuries.
