Dog shoots man

A New Zealand hunter has been shot by his own dog, proving that canines are not always a man's best friend.

Kelly Russell was tracking wild pigs on Sunday with Stinky and two other dogs when the accident happened near Tokoroa on North Island.

There was a big bang and my leg went flying back

Kelly Russell

Having cornered one of his prey, Mr Russell put down his loaded shotgun - but in the ensuing commotion Stinky jumped on it, blasting a shot through the hapless hunter's foot.

Mr Russell, 30, then endured a five-hour wait before help happened to chance by in the shape of a passing car.

"There was a big bang and my leg went flying back," the 30-year-old logger said on Monday from Waikato hospital.

Stinky not to blame

"I was almost at the road but there was too much pain. I couldn't even drag myself. It felt like an eternity."

He said he did not blame Stinky as he had been the one at fault for putting down a loaded gun.

The six-year-old mongrel is in now his kennel at home, seemingly unaware of his role in the mishap.

But Mr Russell faces an agonising wait while surgeons fight to save his foot, which was shattered by the blast.

Doctors give the foot only a 50-50 chance.

Mr Russell's enthusiasm for hunting remains undimmed, however - although he says he may take a friend with him next time.