Animal carcases have been found dumped in the Wairoa River near Bethlehem this week following the illegal dumping along the riverbank last month.

Three deer carcases were reported dumped under the bridge, just upstream from popular whitebaiting areas, reports the Bay of Plenty Regional Council.

Animal carcases found dumped in the Wairoa River at Bethlehem.

About two and a half tonnes of illegally dumped rubbish, including sheep carcases, guts, skins and heads, tyres, batteries, engines, computers and car parts was recovered along a 200metre stretch of the river in mid-August.

BOP Regional Council reports it appeared the sheep were taken for meat from nearby farms. Police were alerted at the time, along with some adjoining landowners.

Regional Council Pollution Prevention Team Leader Annabelle Ellis says the deer may have been taken for meat, as the carcases were butchered.

'The people dumping rubbish and animal carcases have no regard for the people who use the river as a food source.

'It's important that if anyone knows who is taking animals or dumping rubbish in the river they need to report it to us, to their local council or police.”

Western Bay of Plenty District Council, which shared the cost of removing the rubbish, has erected signs in the area warning of fines of $500 and prosecution for anyone caught dumping.

Any suspicious activity or illegal dumping should be reported to police or Bay of Plenty Regional Council's Pollution Hotline on 0800 884 883.