Rotorua incident: Person attacked by three dogs, taken to hospital in serious condition

The dogs alleged to have attacked and seriously injured a person in Rotorua yesterday are being held by Animal Control as investigations into the incident continue.

Police were called to Sunset Rd after a person was seriously injured by three dogs about 3pm.

A spokeswoman said police had spoken to the dogs’ owner and Animal Control was notified.

A Hato Hone St John spokesman said one person was taken to Rotorua Hospital in a serious condition.

A police spokesman said police had no further updates today but said the injured person was stable.

Rotorua Lakes Council group manager of community and district development, Jean-Paul Gaston, today said this was an ongoing investigation and he could not discuss details of the incident.

“However, I can confirm that Animal Control were called to an incident on Sunset Rd yesterday afternoon, the team is working with the owner of the dogs that are alleged to have taken part and they are now being held by Animal Control.

“We have also been in regular contact with the injured person’s whānau,” Gaston said.

“Although we cannot comment further on the actual incident it is a timely reminder of the importance of good dog ownership and that dogs must be under the control of their owners at all times.

“All dogs are capable of attacking under the right circumstances.”

‘I was so scared for you’

A person who witnessed the incident posted on social media: “Hope the lady that [was] attacked by the dog (or dogs) on Sunset road opposite Sunset School is okay.

“Thanks to people that stop and helped her. I just couldn’t get to you quickly enough.

“I was so scared for you, you tried hard to fight it off. My thoughts are with you and I hope you are okay.”

Another witness told the Rotorua Daily Post they saw a person on the ground on the footpath on Sunset Rd about 3.20pm.

They said two police officers were looking after the person, who had tin foil blankets placed on them.