Pet deer shot, meat removed from carcass in North Canterbury

A pet deer has been shot and killed and meat taken from it on a property in North Canterbury, sparking a police investigation.

Police have told 1 NEWS officers received a report around 10am today that a deer had been shot dead at a property on Depot Rd in Oxford and meat had been taken from the animal.

The owners of the stag had last seen it alive on Saturday morning.

It's the second time this year a pet deer has been killed in the area.

The owners of Oxford were devastated after the stag was shot and decapitated in May.

Police are making inquiries into the incident and are asking anyone who may have witnessed anything suspicious in the area over the weekend to contact Oxford Police on 03 312 1050 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.