A man has died after being mauled to death by multiple dogs early on Thursday afternoon, according to police.

The attack happened in Panguru, in the Hokianga region of Northland, on the man’s property.

Initially, police and animal control tried to secure four loose dogs on the property. The dogs were behaving aggressively, and it was decided that they were posing a risk to their safety.

In the process of trying to contain one of the dogs, it was shot by police.

Three dogs are still loose, and their whereabouts, or what breed they are, is unknown, police said.

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Locals have been warned by police to keep vigilant for the dogs, and report any sightings.

Feral dogs have caused issues in the region in the past, with farmers in Te Paki being terrorised and four walking tracks were closed in April due to “serious safety concerns for public safety”.

As many as 100 dogs are estimated to be in the area, where farmers were holding nightly vigils to shoot any dogs harassing stock, with the support of sharpshooters.

Dog attacks were a safety concern for DOC staff and the public, but also the wildlife, such as kiwi.