A six-year-old boy is in an induced coma with severe injuries to his upper body and face after an attack by three pig dogs at a rural Manapouri property.
The boy's grandfather, whom the Otago Daily Times has chosen not to name, said the attack happened about 7pm on Friday and the boy was transferred by helicopter to Dunedin Hospital.
He sustained multiple serious injuries and remains in an induced coma after several surgeries.
The attack left him with injuries to his face, throat, head, arms and torso. His ear and lip were starting to show signs of recolouration following surgery.
The boy was at the property when one of the dogs attacked him, and two more joined in.
The dogs were destroyed on Friday night, but the grandfather said he did not know if they were destroyed by their owner or police.
Another 4-year-old child was present at the property, but not attacked.
The grandfather said his grandson's prognosis was not yet clear.
"I don't know what the outcome is going to be just yet, were going to have to take our time on that one."
A St John spokeswoman said they flew a patient in critical condition to Dunedin Hospital on Friday night.
A police spokesman said the victim was in a stable condition in Dunedin Hospital and the dog's owner was fully cooperating with police.
