Police now think 18 dead goats, previously believed to have been shot, were attacked and killed by dogs.

The dead animals were discovered at a Ridge Rd, Pōkeno, property last week, sparking a police investigation.

Detective Senior Sergeant Natalie Nelson said initial information suggested the goats had been shot, but the investigation has found no evidence a firearm was used.

Further inquiry has established it was likely the goats had instead been attacked and killed by dogs.

“Animal deaths like these can often present in the same way, and while we are pleased to learn the goats haven’t been shot, there are still 18 pet goats that have been killed.

“Police have been working alongside Waikato District Council Animal Management and we are following positive lines of inquiry to identify the dogs responsible.”

Nelson said police would like to thank members of the community who have provided information.

The animals’ bodies had been left in a fenced-in paddock, Nelson said on Tuesday.

Investigators believed at the time that the goats were killed by one or more people on the night of April 13, and they were likely accompanied by a dog.

Nelson said inquiries would continue, but that the attack was now “a matter for Animal Management to deal with”.