Dog euthanised after attacking child in Aranui
Thursday 1 October 2026 · 2 outlets · 2 reports · updated In this story Hato Hone St John, Christchurch City Council
A six-year-old Staffordshire bull terrier cross has been euthanised following an attack on a child in Aranui, Christchurch. The incident occurred on Breezes Road on Tuesday, leaving the child with serious injuries. Police and council animal management attended the scene after the dog was seized.
Key facts
5 facts
- The dog was a 6-year-old Staffordshire bull terrier cross.
- The attack occurred on Breezes Rd, Aranui.
- The dog was euthanised on Thursday.
- The victim was taken to Christchurch Hospital in serious condition.
- The incident occurred on Tuesday.
The full story
1 min read · 2 outlets
A 6-year-old Staffordshire bull terrier cross has been euthanised after attacking a child in Aranui. The Christchurch City Council confirmed the animal was euthanised on Thursday after being "surrendered for destruction" by the owner.
Police were called to a property on Breezes Rd just before midday on Tuesday. Hato Hone St John responded to an "animal incident" at 11:56am with a rapid response unit and an ambulance.
The child sustained serious injuries and was transported to Christchurch Hospital. A witness reported hearing yelling and screaming from a house and seeing a man smacking a dog with a piece of wood.
This incident follows a fatal dog attack in Aranui last month, where 1-year-old Sonny-Charles Watson died at a home on Basingstoke St. Police decided not to lay charges regarding that death.
How it developed
- Thu 1 Oct, 3:06pmA witness reported hearing yelling and seeing a man smacking a dog with wood during the incident.
Where reports differ
- One report states the police were called just after midday on Tuesday, while another states they were called shortly before midday.
Compiled from reports by The Press and NZ Herald.
