Queensland Police Detectives from the Kingaroy Stock and Rural Crime Investigation Squad (SARCIS) are appealing for public assistance after the mutilated bodies of two stock breeding cows were found at Gympie on Sunday, March 24.

Police were called after the owners found the remains of their cattle scattered and discarded over a half kilometre on Reserve Road around 6am.

The animals, droughtmaster cows, including one which had been heavily pregnant, were part of a group that grazed in bushland beside the road.

Detective Senior Sergeant Mark Ferling said it was a cowardly and appalling act of cruelty and he is urging anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers anonymously or Kingaroy SARCIS on 4160 4900.

“We are investigating whether deer poaches were involved in this terrible act.

“In 10 years of working in the Stock Squad I have never seen animals killed like this. Weapons such as bows and arrows, knives and ropes were used.

“The people responsible need to be brought to justice and I urge anyone with information to contact police immediately,” Detective Senior Sergeant Ferling said.

Graziers can assist in helping to prevent poaches by installing surveillance cameras and members of the public are asked to report any suspicious behaviour to police.

Poachers can face fines of up to $3000.

Anyone with information which could assist with this matter should contact Crime Stoppers anonymously via 1800 333 000 or crimestoppers.com.au 24hrs a day.

Crime Stoppers is a registered charity and community volunteer organisation working in partnership with the Queensland Police Service.

For all non-urgent police reporting or general police inquiries contact Policelink on 131 444.