15 Dec 2023

Dog owner charged after man killed in Northland attack

12:20 pm on 15 December 2023
Northland dog mauling victim Neville Thomson

Neville Thomson. Photo: Supplied

A man has been charged in relation to the death of Neville Thomson who was killed by a dog in Pānguru, Northland, last year.

Thomson was found dead on 4 August, 2022.

When his body was found police and animal control rounded up 25 neo mastiff crosses and bulldog crosses outside and took them to Far North District Council's animal shelter.

Another dog outside was shot at the scene.

Three aggressive dogs escaped but were also found and put down.

Far North area investigations manager detective senior sergeant Chris Fouhy says a 59-year-old man has been charged with "owns dog which causes injury or death".

The man is due to appear in the Kaitaia District Court on Monday.

It had been a challenging investigation, Fouhy said, and he hoped the arrest reassured Thomson's family.

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