Police dog attacked during domestic incident

File photo / NZ Herald

A police dog handler and police dog were attacked during a domestic incident in Palmerston North that resulted in four arrests.

Police were called to domestic incident in Health Place, Awanui, and a dog unit was deployed to locate a man.

Police said while trying to arrest the man, the police officer was assaulted by a family member of the man and the police dog was injured.

The officer received minor head injuries and the dog was treated by a veterinarian and stood down from duty.

Police said the police dog was expected to resume duty later in the week.

Four members of one family were arrested. Two people remain in custody and would appear in the Palmerston North District Court tomorrow.

Police said a 50-year-old man would face charges of assaulting police, obstructing police and injuring a police dog. A 19-year-old would face charges including injuring a police dog and burglary.

Police said a 37-year-old woman had been released on police bail to appear in the court on Thursday on an obstruction charge, and a 13-year-old girl would be referred to Youth Aid.