4 Year old girl attacked by dog

A four year old girl was visiting a family address in Masterton , yesterday morning.

She was with a family group at the address when a bull mastiff (cross) dog attacked her.

The dog is normally domiciled at the property, and has been a family pet for ten years without problem.

While the girl was patting the dog under the supervision of an adult, the dog became aggresive. The dog pinned the girl to the ground, biting her face.

She sustained serious facial injuries which will require reconstructive surgery. Family who were present intervened and came to the girls rescue.

The dog has been surrendered for destruction, and a prosecution action for the offence of 'Owning a dog that caused injury' has been initiated.