A Wanganui judge is "absolutely disgusted" at a man who killed and gutted three lambs he found along Turakina Valley Rd.
Liam Henry English pleaded guilty on Tuesday to theft of the animals, driving while disqualified, and unlawfully carrying a firearm.
He was driving along the rural road on March 6 when he saw the lambs, slaughtered them, and placed the gutted animals in his car, Whanganui District Court heard.
English was stopped by police who discovered the lambs in the vehicle, along with butchering tools and a rifle.
"I just can't fathom the actions of some people," Judge David Cameron said. "I'm disgusted - absolutely disgusted."