Swiss animal rights groups are worried about the alarming increase in sex attacks carried out against animals, in particular horses. Data shows cases of animal abuse tripled over the last decade, rising to 1,709 in 2014, an increase of 1,542 from the previous 12 months.

Almost 10% of animal abuse in Switzerland involved bestiality however Swiss horses have a higher rate.

The Tier im Recht (Animals in Law) foundation stated that the figures are worrisome. The group believes that the actual figure could be much higher, given that around 150,000 people in Switzerland take part in equestrian activities. It also adds that there are more than 110,000 horses at 18,000 farms in the country.