Police want to check if the driver of a car which collided with a horse in Taupō on Wednesday morning is okay.
Police were called to State Highway 1, near Oruanui Rd, following reports of horses loose on the road about 5.20am.
It was also reported that there was a crash between one of the horses and a car.
Police also issued a warning to farmers and livestock owners after shooting the animals dead given the risk to public safety.
"The horses posed significant risk to motorists travelling along a main busy route in the dark, with the potential for a more serious crash," a statement said.
The horses took off down Tram Rd, off State Highway 1, and officers made a number of attempts to secure the horses safely and without incident.
"However, the horses began to travel at speed towards the highway and unfortunately police had to resort to fatally shooting them," a statement said.
"Livestock, especially large livestock, cause exceptional risk to the safety of motorists when they are loose on the roads and Police treat these incidents extremely seriously.
"Police use every option available to us when we are called to these incidents with the aim to prevent harm to members of the public, and - where we can - the animals. However, due to the risks involved, in some cases we unfortunately have to resort to serious measures."
Police asked anyone with large animals, such as horses, to ensure the perimeter of their property was secure and gates are locked.
The person involved in the crash is asked to let police know they're okay by contacting police and referencing event number P058450618.
