A lamb found shot with a crossbow bolt in Christchurch's Port Hills has been put down

Local animal keeper, Jack Mould, came across the distressed animal with a friend about 6.30 last night near Godley Heads.

He says even though the lamb had a bolt sticking out of it, he'd hoped it would make it.

Due to the suffering of the animal, the farmer made the decision to euthanise.

Anyone with information about the shooting is asked to contact the Christchurch SPCA.