A database recording the number of attacks on horses could be created in order to clamp-down on pet cruelty.

The police and charities have pledged their support for the database which would give an indication on the instances of horse abuse which some groups reveal is rising.

Ted Barnes, from World Horse Welfare, stated that horses are attacked for a variety of reasons and maintaining a log of cruelty cases would be beneficial.

"There are three types of attacks on horses. There's the vendetta, where someone has a beef with an owner or horse; the criminal, where the attack is for no apparent reason, and the ritualistic," he told Horse and Hound.

"The increase in attacks is inexplicable and I think vigilance is the only answer."

Figures from the RSPCA show that the number of people convicted for horse cruelty rose by 13 per cent in 2007 as compared to the previous year.