Horses on highways in Northland, Whangarei prompt safety warning

Motorists help return four horses that escaped on to Maunu Rd during peak morning traffic in Whangārei. Photo / Supplied

Two incidents involving horses on busy Northland highways — one of them killing the horse and writing off a ute — have prompted a warning about keeping animals securely fenced in.

After 5.10am on Thursday a horse was struck and killed on State Highway 11, just north of the Ruapekapeka Rd junction in Kawakawa and about 500m from Bay of Islands College.

The animal hit the windscreen and left the vehicle extensively damaged, but none of the Mazda Bounty's four occupants were seriously injured.

The dead horse early Friday morning after it was butchered. Photo / Supplied

At least one local was upset that the dead horse was still by the roadside more than 24 hours later. To make matters worse the animal had been butchered, with its forequarters removed, some time on Thursday night.

The Paihia man, who did want to be named, said the gory scene was in plain view to passers-by on Friday morning.

''It's not a good look with schoolkids going past it on their way to school,'' he said.

Tourists also used the route.

Kawakawa fire chief Wayne Martin said the ute's occupants had been heading to work in Paihia when they hit the horse in the dark in a dip in the road.

All four were checked at the scene by St John Ambulance but didn't need further treatment.

Northland's top traffic cop, Inspector Wayne Ewers, said it was the responsibility of every stock owner to ensure their animals were securely fenced in.

If an accident occurred as a result of stock getting on to the road the owner could be held liable, he said.

Meanwhile, four horses loose on Maunu Rd, or SH14, caused traffic to build up during rush hour yesterday.

Police were notified of the equine escapees about 7.30am but it was motorists on the way to work who helped catch the horses and walk them to a paddock.

It is believed an electric fence tape and unit along a fence line was stolen yesterday morning allowing the horses to escape.