An Oamaru pensioner aged in her mid-80s was taken to hospital yesterday after being bitten by a dog in Usk St.
Constable Mark Haythorne, of Oamaru, said the woman was attacked by a dog about 2.30pm.
"An old lady was taking a stroll on Usk St, and a dog that was not on a leash has attacked her and she has been injured as a result."
Although Const Haythorne could not comment on the seriousness of the woman's injuries, he confirmed she received a bite to her right arm and a cut to her head.
Inquiries into the attack were ongoing, but the owner of the dog, which was thought to be a Labrador-cross, had been traced.
The incident had also been referred to the Waitaki District Council, he said.
Council staff could not be contacted yesterday. However, the council has jurisdiction under the Dog Control Act and has several options open to it to deal with a dog attack, from declaring the animal a dangerous dog through to prosecuting its owner and having the dog destroyed.
