MYSTERY: Joseph Angelo wants the public's help in finding a herd of goats missing from a Karaka St property since last Wednesday.

An Aniseed Valley man is calling for the public to help him track down his missing goats, after their mother was injured in what he suspects was a malicious attack.

The man, Joseph Angelo, got into hot water with the Nelson City Council earlier this year when a neighbour complained about him keeping his three goats at a Weka St property.

An environmental officer at the council sent a letter recommending that the council pursue a prosecution under the bylaw, with a possible fine of $20,000.

Mr Angelo said he moved the goats to a Karaka St property about four months ago, when one of them, Lucy, had two kids.

But last Wednesday a neighbour called the SPCA to say they had found the mother with a broken jaw, her bottom teeth missing, and no sign of her kids. Lucy eventually had to be put down.

He said he suspected the goats had been attacked.

SPCA animal welfare officer Andy Rolfe said the agency would be interested in hearing from anyone who had information about the whereabouts of the goats.

To contact the SPCA, call 027 436 9243.