The fate of about 18 dogs and puppies remains uncertain after the fatal mauling of Northland man Neville Thomson.
Thomson was killed on Thursday by multiple dogs at his property near Panguru, a rural town in north Hokianga.
Described as a big-hearted man who looked after all his animals well, the former builder was laid to rest on Tuesday.
Thomson was on the phone to his partner when the attack happened and was later found dead by the man who owned the dogs involved.
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Thomson’s daughter, Nataria Moore, earlier told 1 News her father was attacked by dogs belonging to a friend who had been staying with him.
Thomson tried to protect his own two dogs by keeping them locked inside, she said.
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Neville Thomson died after the dog attack on his property on Puketawa Rd near Panguru in the Far North. (File photo)
When police attended, four dogs became aggressive and one was shot and killed immediately. Three escaped from the property but two were killed the following day and another one was found on Saturday.
Another dog, a female mastiff, was spotted at the Puketawa Rd house on Monday but there were no reports it was aggressive, Far North District Council district services general manager Dr Dean Myburgh told Stuff.
Animal control officers were unable to capture the bitch on Monday but have set a trap for the dog and Thomson’s family members will also try to capture it.
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The dogs remain at Far North District Council’s animal shelters, pictured, until their fate is decided. (File photo)
Myburgh said there were about 25 dogs and puppies at the property on Thursday, all unregistered, and the remaining animals were impounded.
One dog, a neapolitan mastiff cross belonging to Thomson, was released to his family with the appropriate registration and address details.
His second dog, which ran off in the commotion, has returned to the house.
Animal management officers would work with the family to ensure this dog was registered, Myburgh said.
But the fate of the remaining dogs and puppies is uncertain, and they remain impounded by the council until the investigation is completed and ownership of the dogs is established.
“No decision has yet been made on possible charges resulting from Mr Thomson’s death,” Myburgh said.
“The council is liaising with police on the most appropriate legal options.”
Myburgh did not say what breed the dogs were.
Detective senior sergeant Mark Dalzell earlier told Stuff the dogs involved in the attack were a large mixed breed, possibly bulldogs or mastiff crosses.
