Two men have been arrested after a Te Puke farmer saw them on his property where a ewe had been tied to a fence near their car.

One of the men ran off when he saw the farmer, who released the sheep and went home to call the police.

A police patrol stopped a vehicle with two men in it soon afterwards.

The farmer says he's relieved he didn't have to confront the men and that they didn't get away with the ewe on Saturday, September 22.

Another man was arrested in the same area earlier in the month after a dairy heifer was shot and its legs removed.

Poaching in rural areas is sporadic, says Te Puke acting Senior Sergeant Ryan Yardley.

'There's no big spike or anything like that, it's nationwide. Poachers are usually charged with theft, and firearms offences if one is used.

'Theft is a pretty good charge, burglary is an option if they go into an enclosed yard.”