NZ pet sheep killed, set on fire in 'grotesque manner'

A PET sheep has been brutally killed and set on fire on its owner's doorstep during a house party in New Zealand.

sheep

NEW Zealand police are on the hunt for party-goers they believe brutally attacked a pet sheep and set it on fire on its owner's doorstep.

The pet sheep was stolen from the Dunedin property early on Sunday morning, before it was discovered by its owners, burning at their front door.

Police said the sheep was killed in a "grotesque manner" with it's head stomped on so badly it's skull was crushed.

"Then what we think happened is the sheep was put in a wheelbarrow and taken back up to where they've taken it from and put it on the front door step and set it alight," Sergeant Dean Pearce said.

Police believe the thief or thieves were attending a party at a nearby residence when they took the sheep.

"At the party, there were a number of intoxicated persons," Sergeant Pearce said.

"You could draw the conclusion that perhaps the people are known to each other, given the fact that the property is well off the road and you wouldn't know the sheep was there."

He said police had been given some names, but were searching for more people who may have been involved.

If caught, the culprits face charges of burglary and cruelty to an animal.