Child seriously hurt in Aranui dog attack, dog seized by council

What happened

A child is in Christchurch Hospital in a serious condition after an incident involving a dog in the Christchurch suburb of Aranui on Tuesday.

Hato Hone St John says it was called to an address on Breezes Rd at 11.56am. Ambulance staff treated one patient and took them to hospital.

Senior Sergeant Hamish Keer-Keer says police were told of the incident at around midday. He says a child has been taken to hospital with serious injuries following an incident involving a dog. Police remain at the scene.

Christchurch City Council Animal Management says it has seized a six-year-old staffordshire bull terrier cross. A council spokesperson says an investigation will be carried out and the council cannot comment further.

Key facts

• The incident happened on Breezes Rd, Aranui, Christchurch, on Tuesday.
• St John was called at 11.56am and took one patient to Christchurch Hospital in a serious condition.
• Police were made aware at around midday and remain at the scene.
• Council Animal Management has seized a six-year-old staffordshire bull terrier cross.
• The council says it will investigate.

What you need to know

• Police remain at the scene on Breezes Rd, so expect a police presence in the area.
• Animal management has been notified and the seized dog is in council hands.

What happens next

Christchurch City Council Animal Management says it will investigate. Police remain at the scene.

Still to be confirmed

• The child's age and the full extent of their injuries have not been given.
• How the incident happened has not been confirmed.
• Whether the seized dog is the one involved is not stated beyond the council's seizure, and its ownership has not been given.
• Any outcome of the council investigation is not yet known.