A 3-year-old boy is in a critical condition in Christchurch
Hospital after being bitten in the throat by a dog in
Ashburton today.
The boy was in the lounge of a relative's King Street house
when the attack happened about 12.20pm.
It's believed he had a chocolate that the dog - a
5-year-old male Doberman-Staffordshire bull terrier cross
which belonged to a family member - wanted.
When he went to put it in his mouth, the dog lunged and
grabbed him around the throat.
He was given first aid at the scene before being taken to
Ashburton Hospital, where he was stabilised before being
taken to Christchurch Hospital by the Westpac Rescue
Helicopter.
The people at the house where the incident happened were too
upset to speak but said the victim was "OK''.
The animal has been impounded by animal control officers from
Ashburton District Council and will be put down. It's
understood it had not come to their attention before.
Ashburton Police senior sergeant Grant Russell said the
owners cooperated with the animal control officers.
Victim Support is assisting the family.
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