A second impounded horse has been taken from the Ruapehu District Council pound in Taumarunui.
The tai or siebay stallion was taken from the pound some time over Saturday night and follows a similar breakout in September.
Council team leader compliance Brenda Ralph said extra security precautions had been put in after the September breakout, "but that didn't prevent this horse from being stolen".
Police have been informed and council staff will be on the lookout for the horse.
"This horse is quite distinctive as it has series of lumpy growths around its left eye," Ms Ralph said.