Questions around why action wasn't taken sooner - following a fatal dog attack in Northland

62-year-old, Mihiata Te Rore, was killed by three dogs on Tuesday, as she visited a home in Kaihu, north of Dargaville.

Local MP Shane Jones says jail terms should be considered for owners of what he labels 'homicidal dogs'.

Animal behaviour expert Mark Vette says animal management were aware of the dogs, so it's a shame they didn't step in earlier.

He says this clearly shows something was wrong - and that they were aware of the high-risk situation.