Two dogs have been put down after they attacked and seriously injured a Palmerston man this week.
The 68-year-old man suffered severe lacerations to a leg after being attacked by a pitbull and a Staffordshire-cross, both of which were already classified as menacing.
Waitaki District Council regulatory services manager Lichelle Guyan said the man was approached by one of the dogs while walking near his property on Tuesday.
It started attacking him and the second dog joined in.
Mrs Guyan had not yet spoken to the victim, but confirmed he was discharged from hospital yesterday and the investigation into the attack was continuing. It was too early to say whether charges would be laid.
Both dogs were handed to Animal Control on Tuesday, with the owner's consent, and immediately put down.
''The most important thing is that the dogs are no longer a risk to the community,'' Mrs Guyan said.
''Dog attacks are never pleasant and this attack is particularly serious.''
The pitbull was classed as menacing because of its breed and the Staffordshire-cross because of a previous incident. She was unable to supply information yesterday about the previous incident.
The dogs' classification required them both to always be on a lead and be muzzled.
On Tuesday, they were not.
The precautions were necessary ''so that this type of attack can be prevented.''
Mrs Guyan called for witnesses to come forward.
''If anyone witnessed the attack, we would urge them to contact us so that our inquiries and investigation are as thorough as possible.''
The council was aware of one witness who had not been comfortable about providing a statement.
The attack highlighted the need for rules on dog control, Mrs Guyan said.
''It is the responsibility of the dog owner to ensure their dog is under control at all times and is not a threat to community safety.
''Dog owners must ensure their dogs are adequately contained within the confines of their property, are under control when either on or off their property, and are on a leash, where appropriate, to prevent future attacks.''
Tuesday's incident comes after a dog attack in Moeraki on Saturday.
A bull mastiff was put down after it attacked a ''small dog'' that required stitches to a shoulder and leg.
Both dogs were on leashes and investigations were ongoing, Mrs Guyan said.
Next month, the council hopes to start work on a new, web-based educational programme about dog control.
At a Waitaki District Council customer services committee meeting yesterday, the annual ''dog control - policy and practices report'' was adopted and Mrs Guyan addressed councillors about Tuesday's attack.
Waihemo ward councillor Kathy Dennison said her thoughts were with the victim and his family: ''This is tragic for them.''
She asked how many dogs with a history classing them as menacing had reoffended, but Mrs Guyan was unable to provide any figures at the meeting.
