A Virginia youth is facing multiple charges for allegedly slashing three horses while they grazed in a pasture near a park in Fairfax County.

In April the horses located on a property adjacent to Frying Pan Farm Park were wounded when they were slashed with a sharp instrument. All three horses received veterinary treatment for non-life-threatening wounds. In May two goats, a calf, and a chicken were discovered injured in a barn located in Frying Pan Park. Fairfax Police Department Public Information Officer Eddy Azcarate said investigators believe the perpetrator used a 22-inch machete blade in all the cutting incidents.

On June 23 law enforcement authorities acting on a tip arrested a 17-year-old boy in connection with all of the slashing incidents, Azcarate said. The teen has been charged with four felony counts of maiming animals, three counts of misdemeanor cruelty to animals, and two counts of unlawful entry.

Motive in the cases remains under investigation, Azcarate said