A 7-year-old boy was seriously injured after being attacked by his uncle's pitbull terrier in south Auckland this afternoon.
Emergency services were called to the incident in Takanini at 1.22pm.
Auckland Council manager of animal management Geoff Keber said the victim was the dog owner's 7-year-old nephew.
He was taken to Middlemore Hospital where he was undergoing surgery.
A hospital spokeswoman said it was understood the boy had a "significant facial wound".
A St John Ambulance spokeswoman described his condition as serious.
Mr Keber said the pitbull terrier had been relinquished to the council and was currently in a shelter.
The animal management team had taken statements from the parties involved, and their investigation was ongoing.
