Pitbull tears owner's 7-year-old son's arm

A seven-year-old Hastings boy has undergone surgery after being mauled by his mother's pitbull terrier cross dog.

Police said the boy suffered severe lacerations and a large chunk was torn from his right arm.

Ambulance staff were called about 6.25pm yesterday to a Flaxmere address and took the boy to Hastings Hospital.

Hastings District Council animal control team leader Clinton Chadwick said he understood the male dog's owner, the boy's mother, was going to feed the dog which was on a chain.

"She didn't realise the boy was standing behind her and the dog lunged at the boy when he got too close to its food."

Mr Chadwick said the woman got the dog off the child and the dog had been removed from the property.

"She's signed it over to the council and we're having it destroyed this morning," he said.

- NZPA