By LifeZette News Staff
A 19-year-old Afghan national has been arrested and charged in connection with a series of incidents involving the rape and sexual assault of livestock in Pennes-Mirabeau, a municipality in the Bouches-du-Rhône region near Marseille, authorities said.
The suspect was taken into custody by officers from the Brigade Anticriminalité (BAC) during the night of April 9–10, 2026, after local sheep and goat owners alerted police.
According to reports from French newspaper La Provence, farmers in the area had been dealing with repeated incidents since early 2026, with animals discovered injured in February and March.
Investigators said the livestock had their legs tied and showed clear signs of rape and sexual assault.
At least six animals were identified as victims, with some subjected to repeated attacks.
Authorities said the animals suffered significant injuries, including lacerations and other physical trauma.
In one case, a young lamb was reported to have sustained injuries severe enough to place its life in danger.
The repeated nature of the attacks led farm owners to increase security measures across their properties.
After multiple incidents, farmers installed motion-sensor cameras in an effort to identify the individual responsible.
Surveillance footage captured the silhouette of a young man entering the farms at night and approaching the animals.