Alarming Trend of Horse Hair Theft Reaches Pennsylvania

By Kara Seymour

An alarming and bizarre crime that has puzzled law enforcement in western states like Wyoming and Colorado for years has migrated east.

Authorities in Towamencin Township, Montgomery County, say a local horse was the latest victim of mane and tail theft.

The horse got the haircut against his will this weekend and now his owner and authorities are seeking the person responsible for the unwanted makeover. The incident happened sometime Friday or Saturday on Mainline Road, police said.

“Yesterday my sweet mini house was beautiful with her long 7 years of mane and tail. This morning not so much,” the horse’s owner posted on Facebook, along with a picture of the butchered hair.

According to police, the hair thief took the mane and the tail, which is worth about $200. It is used to make bracelets and other items, The Philadelphia Inquirer reported. The hair can also be used to make tail extensions for show horses.

The owner said it is the second time her horse’s hair has been stolen.

The theft of horse hair is on the rise not just regionally, but throughout the country. KFVS News in Illinois, where there have been numerous horse hair thefts, reports that the alarming trend began out west in Wyoming and Colorado and has migrated east.

For example:

• Police in Union County, Ohio have had a recent uptick in reports of stolen horse hair. Four incidents were reported in a few weeks over the fall.
• Incidents in Colorado and Wyoming have been in news reports since 2009.
• In 2012, there were more than 30 reports of stolen horse hair in three Wyoming counties.
• Also in 2012, a South Dakota horse owner offered a $2,000 reward for information after someone stole his horse’s mane and tail.

Anyone with any information about the Montgomery County incident should call Towamencin Township Police at 215-368-7606.

(PHOTO: PAWSibilities Animal Rescue)