Farmer offers lamb after child's pet brutally killed

Larry the lamb was stolen, dumped and set on fire.

The owner of a lamb which was bashed and killed on Saturday says he has been blown away by one Central Otago sheep farmer's kindness.

Matt Johnston was disgusted when his 2-year-old daughter Ava's pet lamb Larry was taken from their property and returned burned and lifeless to the front door step.

"It's unreal and totally inhumane," he said.

Natalie Thurlow, who farms near Omakau, called and offered Mr Johnston and Ava a lamb as a pet replacement.

Mrs Thurlow offered a 1-year-old lamb or newborn lamb due in September.

"It is just a horrible story and if we can do anything to make it better we will," she said.

Mr Johnston was grateful for the offer, but Ava was moving later this year so they could not accept it.

"That's the sweetest thing I have heard all day."

Instead of giving Ava the bad news the lamb had been killed, he told her Larry was on holiday.

Dunedin police are still investigating who was responsible for the death of the lamb.

Senior Sergeant Bruce Ross said evidence indicated people at a nearby party had taken the lamb and he asked anyone with information to contact the nearest police station.