Dogs destroyed after boy, 6, savaged

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Police have confirmed that two dogs who savaged a six-year-old boy at Ruatoria yesterday belonged to a police officer who had travelled to Gisborne for court duty.

The boy was attacked when he wandered into the yard where the two shar pei cross-breed dogs were roaming free.

He suffered serious head and facial injuries and was this morning transferred to Waikato Hospital for specialist care.

It is understood the boy was able to talk to nurses and family this morning.

It is believed the youngster was playing on a trampoline when he was bitten.

A neighbour saw the attack about 4pm and was able to pull the dogs off the boy and call for help.

The property was fenced and the dogs were inside the property at the time of the attack.

Senior Sergeant Mick Lander of Gisborne said both dogs were destroyed last night. Police were continuing their investigation into the incident.

"One of the Shar Pei dogs was crossed with a labrador and the other with a pit bull," said Pat Collins, chief animal control officer for Gisborne District Council.

He said dDog owners must keep dogs under control at all times, especially when children are on a property.

"Parents should be vigilant when allowing kids to play on properties that have dogs.

"A large percentage of dog bites are on the dog's own property because of the lack of supervision of dogs, kids and visitors," he said.