Man arrested after dog killed during argument

A man has been arrested after a pet dog was fatally stabbed during a domestic incident in Taupo overnight.

The armed offenders squad was called to an address about 3am where a local couple were arguing.

Acting area commander Tony Jeurissen said the situation became "dire" when the pet dog belonging to the couple was stabbed and died.

Police then found a large number of firearms and a quantity of ammunition stored at the property where the man took refuge.

The arsenal was seized by police and the man was charged over the death of the dog.

Elsewhere in the resort town, New Year revellers were mostly well-behaved, Mr Jeurissen said.

However, there were 20 alcohol-related arrests.

"That number is acceptable and comparable to last year," he said.

"What is a concern for police is a general attitude and acceptance that becoming totally intoxicated to the point of being nearly incapacitated is seen as a rite of passage for a lot of people as far as seeing the New Year in is concerned."

- NZPA