A man has been charged with manslaughter over a dog attack which killed a woman in the small Northland settlement of Kaihū in February following a six-month police investigation.
Police today charged the 43-year-old from Kaihū, who owned the dogs, after arresting him in central Auckland earlier in the day.
Emergency services were called to the rural property off State Highway 12 about 11.25am on February 17.
Mihiata Te Rore, 62, was mauled by three dogs while visiting a person known to her at the property.
She suffered nonsurvivable injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.
The dogs lived on the property and were taken into animal management.
A woman in here 60s was mauled to death by three dogs while visiting someone she knew in Kaihū. (Source: 1News)
Detective Senior Sergeant Shane Pilmer said an investigation was launched to determine what happened prior to Te Rore's death.
"The investigation team has been working tirelessly in the weeks and months since, including seeking a legal review. Ultimately, this has resulted in a charge of manslaughter. It has been challenging, and we acknowledge the significance of reaching this stage."
Pilmer said police had been in contact with Te Rore's whānau, "who we extend our deepest sympathies to at this difficult time".
"Police would like to thank everyone who provided information to us, and in particular the Kaihū community."
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