Two goats have been "slaughtered" and stolen from the side of a Ngongotaha road but the thieves are being warned if they eat the meat, it could be dangerous.
Owner Jane Wootton found a patch of blood where her 4-year-old goats had lived on the side of Oturoa Rd, near her farm just over a week ago.
"They were slaughtered. They cut their throats and then cut the collars. [The goats] were doing a good job down there and were just helpless."
She said she wanted others to know this kind of theft was happening, warning other farmers to stay aware and keep an eye open.
"People have to be really careful doing that because you can get sick from eating the meat."