Police are continuing to search for the three dogs who mauled a man to death in the isolated community of Panguru in the Hokianga region of Northland.
Police said in a statement inquiries into the incident on Thursday afternoon remain ongoing.
"At this stage, Police are still working to establish the wider circumstances of the incident and a scene guard remains in place at the address on Puketawa Road, Panguru," Far North Area Investigations Manager, Detective Senior Sergeant Mark Dalzell said.
On Thursday afternoon, police said they responded to a sudden death of a man 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 dogs are still outstanding."
Police are warning the Far North community of Panguru to be vigilant of the three remaining dogs.
"We continue to urge the public to avoid any stray dogs in the area and are asking for anyone who has information in regards to the location of the animals to contact us immediately via 111," Dalzell said.
"As this was a fast-moving situation, police don’t have a description of the animals to provide at this stage, however will look to issue a further update when more information is available.
"We understand this is a tragic and concerning situation for the community and police are providing support to the families of those involved."
