Police put down two of three dogs who mauled man to death in Panguru, Northland

  • 05/08/2022

 

Police say two of the three dogs being hunted for mauling a man to death in the isolated community of Panguru have been found and put down.

Detective Senior Sergeant Mark Dalzell said the third dog is believed to be severely injured and has not been found yet.

"We continue to ask if anyone comes across this dog to not approach and instead contact police or Animal Management," Det Snr Sgt Dalzell said in a statement to Newshub.

On Thursday afternoon, police said they responded to the sudden death of a man in the Far North community who reportedly was subjected to a dog attack.

"Police and animal control have attempted to secure the dogs on the property. However, four of the dogs got loose and were behaving in an aggressive manner," police said in a statement on Thursday.

"Police risk assessment showed the dogs posed a risk to their safety. In the process of trying to contain the dogs, unfortunately, one was shot by police and died."

The other three escaped police, leading to a search for the dogs. The public was warned to avoid any stray dogs in the area.

Det Snr Sgt Dalzell said the scene examination is expected to be finished on Friday night, and police will remain at the property in Panguru overnight.

"Enquiries into the sudden death on Thursday remains ongoing and as part of this a post-mortem examination is due to be carried out tomorrow.

"Our thoughts continue to be with the deceased's family and friends at this difficult time."