Police investigating yesterday's shooting near Tangowahine, in Northland, say the man is in a stable condition at Auckland City Hospital.
"At this stage, charges have not yet been laid in relation to yesterday's incident," Northland district commander superintendent Tony Hill said.
Police are, however, considering charges against him, he said.
The police dog that was allegedly shot by the man now in hospital is also said to be in a stable condition today. The animal sustained critical injuries to its jaw.
"Police would like to acknowledge the messages of support received overnight from the community around the welfare of the police dog who was shot yesterday," Hill said.
Police dog not to be named
Police will not be releasing the dog's name publicly at this stage, for privacy reasons.
Hill acknowledged that was due to the ongoing investigation now being carried out by officers.
Authorities are continuing to support police staff who were involved in yesterday's incident.
Support is also being given to the family of the man in hospital.
Related Stories
Comments
It is absolutely criminal that dogs are still put into dangerous situations in a day and age where cheap drones can be used for putting cameras, tear gas, stun-grenades, hand-grenades, and even guns into play with no risk to animals.
I take my hat off to the brave police offices that have volunteered to regularly put their lives in danger so the rest of us sit at home in safety, but the dogs do not volunteer. They just loyally obey people they trust to look after them, then find themselves in life-threatening situations.
And what is even worse, thanks to New Zealand's policy of concurrent sentencing, the lowlife that hurt these beautiful animals never serve an extra day for what they do to the dogs.