Jimbo was rescued from the slaughter house some time ago

The goats, called Jimbo and Tilly, were found dead in their pen at the bottom of Pauline Evans' garden in Pyle by her 17-year-old grandson, Russell.

Mrs Evans said; "I just can't believe what has happened. All I can hope is whoever is behind it is caught."

South Wales Police said it was a "callous attack on two animals which has traumatised their owner".

A police spokesman said: "We are keen to speak to anyone who has information in connection with this incident."

The two goats were found slaughtered on Monday.

"Blood bath"

Mrs Evans told the South Wales Echo newspaper that the animals had been popular in the local community and people had often brought children to her home to feed them bread.

She took in Jimbo, who was rescued from a slaughter house, several years ago but she had only given Tilly a home six months ago.

Recalling the moment her grandson found them, she said: "He started screaming, saying 'Nan, the goats are dead.'

"I went down there and I was nearly sick at the sight of the mess. It was a bloodbath. It's sick. How low can you get?

"I have lived here for 34 years and I don't have any enemies."

The grandmother-of-five added: "It's absolutely gob-smacking what's happened. To be hacked to death like that is just sick."

Mrs Evans has held a funeral for the goats in her garden, an event attended by her grandchildren, their friends and members of the local community.