Children injured in lunchtime dog attack

Two ambulances rushed to Three Kings Primary School on Mt Eden Rd at 1pm, where paramedics treated five children for minor injuries, a St John spokesman confirmed. Photo / File

Four Auckland schoolchildren were bitten by two stray dogs that wandered on to a busy school field, causing lunchtime havoc and forcing classrooms into lockdown.

Two pupils were rushed to hospital by their parents for further treatment, while another two had their "puncture wounds" dressed at the scene.

About 1.15pm today, a black labrador and a german shepherd/staffy cross ran into Three Kings Primary School on Mt Eden Rd.

Christo van der Merwe, Auckland Council's animal management team leader for central and east, said the dogs left before animal management officers arrived.

"Four children were injured," van der Merwe said.

"They are reported to have received puncture wounds to their legs, arms and backside. Two of the children had their wounds dressed by paramedics on site and two were taken to hospital for further treatment."

The dogs, which are registered, reportedly ran off down Mt Albert Rd, but have since been found after a search by four animal management officers, police and the dogs' owner.

The dogs are now impounded, van der Merwe said.

"We have notified the school that it is now safe for the children to be released. Our
investigation is ongoing."

A St John spokesman said two ambulances attended the scene.

School principal Jo Willmoth told Fairfax the dogs ran on to the school field at lunchtime, chasing children and nipping some.

She said the school went into lockdown when the dogs were on the loose and parents were emailed about the situation.