Charges Filed in Case of Shooting with Northland Police Dog

Charges have been filed in connection with the shooting of a police dog earlier this month in rural Northland.

Police had previously said that the defendant was being chased through a meadow in Tangowahine when he allegedly shot the dog, and officers shot him three times.

The alleged offender was flown to Auckland City Hospital, while the dog was transported separately to Unitec on Mt Albert for specialized veterinary treatment.

Northland District Commander Superintendent Tony Hill confirmed the charges were filed today in Auckland District Court.

A 30-year-old man has been charged with using a firearm against a law enforcement officer on December 1, injuring a police dog and illegally possessing a .357 Magnum pistol and ammunition.

The most serious charge, firing a firearm at a police officer, carries a possible maximum penalty of 14 years in prison.

Hurting a police dog carries a maximum possible penalty under the Police Act 2008 of two years in prison and / or a $ 15,000 fine.

Hill said today’s court proceedings would be “administrative only” as the man cannot appear in person to answer the charges.

The man has been granted provisional name suppression and will appear in Whangārei District Court in February next year.

It is understood that the dog is still at the vet and doing well, but still has a long way to recover.