AHB West Coast/Tasman programme manager, Chris Pullen, said two signs on Houston and Wye Roads were removed the day after being erected at the One One site.

“These actions are highly irresponsible and this latest incident follows the illegal removal of another warning sign on Greens Beach Rd - the main access point to the Ianthe operational area,” Mr Pullen said.

“The signs have been replaced, but if they continue to be removed, we will not hesitate to prosecute those responsible.

“We have also had disturbing reports of people going into the operational areas to deliberately undermine the TB-free programme.

“The warning signs are an incredibly important precautionary measure to inform the public that sodium fluoroacetate (1080) had been used in the area. They also remind dog owners not to take their pets into the area until all the signs have been removed.

“The nature of this incident highlights the criminal lengths that a small minority will go to in order jeopardise the work being carried out by contractors on behalf of the AHB.

“The cost of replacing the signs also falls partly on West Coast ratepayers,” Mr Pullen said.