Dog attacks Masterton man, 84

DRAMA: A man was knocked off his mobility scooter, possibly fracturing his hip in the fall and resulting in emergency surgery.

An elderly Masterton man has been rushed to hospital for emergency hip surgery after a dog attack left him seriously injured.

The 84-year-old was on his mobility scooter on South Rd near the corner of Cockburn St at about 10.55am on Wednesday when he was attacked by the labrador cross, which was with its owner and wearing a leash and harness.

Sergeant Chris Megaw said police were still piecing together what happened, but it appeared the dog had bit the man on the arm, causing him to fall from his scooter and injure his hip. Although protected from the dog's bite by several layers of clothing, the man was in a lot of pain when he was taken to hospital by ambulance, Mr Megaw said.

He was due to undergo surgery on his hip, which was possibly fractured, yesterday.

Mr Megaw said police had concerns for the man's health due to his age. "An elderly gentlemen has gone to hospital, and being elderly we are concerned about his health ... when you are 84, it's a big drama."

Due to his injuries, police had been unable to interview the man and were eager to speak to anyone who may have seen the attack. "He might have been on the ground for a short time before someone came to help him so people may have driven past and seen the situation."

At this stage it was unclear what caused the dog to attack, Mr Megaw said.

The dog's owner was co-operating with police and Masterton District Council.

It was too soon to indicate what the repercussions for the owner might be, but it was possible charges could be laid, Mr Megaw said.

"At the moment we are just trying to work out what has taken place."

Council spokesman Sam Rossiter-Stead said the dog was registered and had not been involved in any previous attacks.

The dog would now be classified as "menacing by deed", which meant it would have to wear a muzzle in future, and it would be taken out of the area for assessment.

The fate of the dog would not be determined until police and council investigations had been completed, Mr Rossiter-Stead said.

Anyone who has information about the attack should contact Masterton police on 06 3700300.