Rotorua police officer undergoes surgery after dog attack during arrest

Both officers were taken to hospital following the dog attack. Photo / Dean Purcell

A routine arrest in Rotorua turned violent last night when a dog attacked two police officers, leaving one requiring surgery.

The officers were attending a property at Old Taupo Rd about 9.10pm to locate a person of interest who had a warrant out for their arrest.

Police said the offender was located and taken into custody, however during the arrest, a dog at the property attacked an attending officer.

A second officer tried to intervene and stop the attack and also sustained injuries.

Bay of Plenty District Commander Superintendent Tim Anderson said support is now being wrapped around the injured staff.

“The two staff members went through to hospital for treatment. One of them required surgery.

“Obviously this is a distressing incident for both them and their colleagues, and they are receiving all available support.

“I’m extremely proud of the bravery of our staff, particularly the courage shown by the second officer, who jumped in to stop his colleague being attacked even further.

“After any injury sustained in the line of duty, Police will debrief and look at how we can prevent this in the future.”

Animal control has been advised and has uplifted the animal involved.

The mother of the man arrested, who was home at the time of the incident, told the Herald the ordeal had left her distressed and heartbroken about the fate of the family dog.

She said it was her son’s “constant companion”, and the pair were very close.

“My head is just quite all over the place and I don’t know what to do.”