Police shoot dog which was attacking woman

File photo / NZ Herald

A police officer shot dead an aggressive dog which was savagely attacking a woman in New Plymouth this morning.

Neighbours called police after seeing the woman being attacked in the backyard of her home about 9.30am.

The dog, believed to be one of the woman's three dogs, was still attacking the woman when two police officers arrived.

"She had already sustained substantial bite marks to her arms, legs and face," acting Taranaki area commander Detective Inspector Keith Borrell said.

"To prevent further harm to the woman, one of the officers took immediate action and discharged a single shot at the dog from a police issue firearm, killing it instantly.

"Due to the decisive and swift actions of the attending officers the victim was saved from sustaining more serious injuries."

The women was taken by ambulance to the Taranaki Base Hospital, where she was receiving medical treatment.

"Initial inquiries suggest one dog was responsible for the attack, however the two remaining dogs were taken away by a local animal control officer as a precaution," Mr Borrell said.

A spokeswoman for Taranaki Base Hospital said the woman had undergone surgery today.

She was in a serious condition, and had been admitted to a ward, she said.

It was likely she would remain in hospital for a few days.