Greymouth police are investigating after two sheep were found shot with either a crossbow or a hunting bow.
Sergeant Paul Watson said one was dead in a paddock on Taylorville-Blackball Rd and the other had to be put out of its misery after the owner found it with an arrow sticking out of it.
The owner believed they had been shot on Saturday night.
Police want to hear of any reports of suspicious activity in that area.
"We have seized some evidence which is being examined at the moment and hopefully could lead us to the culprits," Mr Watson said.