A man was mauled to death by a pack of dogs as three of the hounds escaped.
Police in New Zealand says they were called to a property on Thursday in a remote area in Hokianga on the North Island where they found a 69-year-old man.
Four of his six dogs had become aggressive.
A police spokesperson said: "Earlier today Police responded to a sudden death, where initial indications suggested the deceased was subject to a dog attack.
The investigation is in its early stages but police say they don't believe the death was suspicious.
They added the dogs got loose and were behaving aggressively.
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One dog was shot to death while two were captured.
Police have warned the public saying the other three escaped the property and are still roaming.
A spokesperson for local police confirmed the 69-year-old died of wounds sustained from the mauling.
They said: "Earlier today Police responded to a sudden death, where initial indications suggested the deceased was subject to a dog attack.
![](https://i2-prod.mirror.co.uk/incoming/article27656879.ece/ALTERNATES/s810/0_Angry-dog.jpg)
"Police and animal control have attempted to secure the dogs on the property.
"However, four of the dogs got loose and were behaving aggressively.
"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."