The Outdoors Party says the dead animals found on an Otago beach need to be tested for 1080 poisoning.
Seven deer and two pigs were found dead on a Waianakarua beach north of Dunedin over the last week, following a recent aerial 1080 drop upstream.
However Operational Solutions for Primary Industries (OSPRI), who removed the carcasses, says some of the animals appear to be shot.
"I think it is behest upon OPSRI to test it for 1080 residues and to let everybody know and to be open and honest about it. Because so far all they've committed to is to take the carcasses away," Outdoors Party co-leader David Haynes says.
He adds there is conflicting information over how the animals died.
The Waitaki District Council thinks there could be 1080 poisoning, but OSPRI has indicated the animals have gunshot wounds.
"As a hunter myself I say it's quite rare to see an animal that's shot and not had the meat or head taken off," Mr Haynes adds.
"Any poisoning of our game animals is a no-no, we strongly object to that, that's not what 1080 poisoning is supposed to be about so if this is happening, something's broken."
OSPRI has confirmed they won't be testing the carcasses.
On Thursday OSPRI told Newshub following the recent floods and heavy rain in the South Island, it is in the process of checking a number of other areas including Silver Stream from the operational area to the junction of the Taieri River for other animal carcasses.
Newshub.
