Indiana law enforcement authorities are investigating a trio of incidents involving hair being cut from horses' manes and tails.

Hendricks County, Ind., Sheriff's Department Lt. Jim Yetter said his department received a call on Nov. 19 from a horse owner reporting that the animal's mane and tail had both been cut. Yetter said two additional complaints were filed over the next few days.

“All the incidents took place at the stables where the horses were being boarded,” Yetter said.

Horse hair is used in a variety of fashions both inside and outside the horse industry. A representative for the Ohio-based horse hair supplier M&M Turf Supply, Co., said owners purchase horse hair extensions to lengthen their horses’ tails for exhibition. Horse hair is also used by crafts and jewelry makers, and is used in the production of bows for musical instruments such as violins and cellos. Per pound retail pricing for horse hair varies from $40 to more than $200 depending upon the length and color of the hair, the representative said; the representative noted that most retailers purchase their horse hair from approved dealers