· Miniature horses found killed

The slaughter of six miniature horses south of Adelaide was a targeted attack, police are stressing after charging a man over the killings.

A 50-year-old man is facing charges in the case, which had prompted widespread outrage from animal lovers and even the state’s premier.

But police stress the deaths in Clayton Bay, 70km south of Adelaide, are not believed to be a random act.

“Investigators wish to reassure the public that this was not a random attack and is believed to have been a targeted act,” a police spokesman said.

The six horses were found with their throats slashed last weekend at a breeding and show stud stables.

Three other horses in the same stables were not harmed.

Distraught owners Julie and Mel Jackson had posted a $100,000 reward to catch a suspect in the crimes.

The man, from Adelaide’s southern suburbs, has been charged with aggravated serious criminal trespass, property damage and ill treatment of animals.

He has been bailed to appear in the Victor Harbor Magistrates Court on March 3 next year.