Family pet that attacked baby girl to be put down

Police officers attend the scene of a Dunedin dog attack yesterday. Photo by Stephen Jaquiery / ODT

The Dunedin City Council will not be taking any action against the owners of a dog which attacked their baby girl yesterday afternoon, after they agreed to have the dog put down.

Senior Animal Control Officer Peter Hanlin said police called the DCC Animal Services to a Cavell St, Tainui, address after one of two family dogs at the property, a Jack Russell, bit the child on the face.

Police say the baby was bitten below the eye and in the gums, but the injuries aren't serious. The dog was the family's pet

The girl, said by neighbours to be about 9 months old, was taken to Dunedin Hospital's emergency department.

A hospital spokesperson this morning said the girl was progressing favourably in the hospital's children's unit, RNZ News reported.

Police today said the girl's injuries were not serious, Fairfax reports.

Mr Hanlin said both dogs on the property were registered and had no history of complaints.

The dog involved in the incident was securely contained and Animal Services were satisfied it posed no risk to anyone, he said

The family told Animal Services they would have the animal put down.

"This was an unfortunate incident and we are satisfied with the actions of the owners. We will not be taking any further action in respect to this incident," Mr Hanlin says.

The investigation has been handed over to the Dunedin City Council.