Two children were badly injured after a dog attack on New Zealand's north island, with one almost having their ear severed.
The dog attack happened about 7pm on Saturday on Ford St in the eastern Bay of Plenty town of Opotiki.
One of the children, who were aged seven and nine years old, had their ear almost severed, Sergeant Mike Mackenzie said.
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"We are still speaking to witnesses – but it appears the dog jumped a fence and attacked," he said.
Both of the children had to be taken to hospital.
Sgt Mackenzie said it was the obligation of dog owners to keep their dogs in their yards.
The dog that attacked was considered a "dangerous" dog and pending the results of the investigation, it's possible the dog would be put down, he said.
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Opotiki woman Maude Maxwell, whose family were subjected to a dog attack in January 2013, said the community had a role to play in sorting out their dog problem.
"Report all roaming dogs – you know where they live and who they belong to," she said.
Ōpōtiki District Council planning and regulatory manager Gerard McCormack said the matter was under investigation.
"Given the injuries involved, the matter is with the police, and they are the lead agency while we are supporting them" he said.
"Two unregistered dogs have been removed from the property, including the one that carried out the attack.
"They have been impounded while the investigation is under way."
- This story originally appeared on Stuff.co.nz, with reporting by Ōpōtiki News, and has been republished with permission
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