Northland man charged with injuring police dog, drug offences

A Northland man has appeared in court charged with injuring a police dog and drug-related offences.

Marshall James Dennis Joyce was arrested after a traffic stop in Whangārei early on Sunday morning escalated into what police described as a violent assault.

The 47-year-old Ruakākā man was charged with assaulting police, injuring a police dog, possession for supply of methamphetamine and cannabis, possession of cocaine and LSD, and unlawful possession of ammunition.

He was remanded in custody after Monday's appearance in the Whangārei District Court. He was due back for a list hearing by audio-visual link on August 13.

Police said the dog suffered an eye injury and underwent urgent veterinary treatment. Its current condition was not known.

Earlier, Northland's top cop, Superintendent Matt Srhoj, said a police dog handler stopped a car on Kahiwi Stt, in the suburb of Raumanga, just before 4.30am on July 20.

The dog handler spotted drug paraphernalia inside the car but the driver became aggressive before a search could be carried out.

Srhoj said extra officers were sent to the scene as his aggression escalated, with pepper spray, a Taser and the police dog all deployed.

As well as methamphetamine, LSD tabs, cannabis and cocaine, police seized more than $5000 in cash.

Srhoj said it was fortunate the police officer was not seriously injured, but the dog suffered a scratch to one eye and required urgent treatment.

The 47-year-old man sustained minor injuries and was taken to Whangārei Hospital.

Srhoj praised the officers who rushed to the scene to support their colleague.

"We have no tolerance for unprovoked violence, especially directed to our staff who are just doing their jobs," he said.