Vandals have beheaded and damaged a popular herd of artificial zebras at Lake George in southern New South Wales.

Canberra sculptor Alan Aston installed the four life-size zebras beside Lake George around 20 kilometres north-east of Canberra a month ago.

Their installation generated a mixed reaction.

The Department of Lands initially ordered their removal following a complaint from a farmer who leased the land.

However following strident community support the department changed its mind.

Mr Aston was in the process of gaining formal public approval for the eye-catching public art.

However overnight one zebra was beheaded while another is missing a tail and has been dragged 60 metres from the herd.