Man in hospital after Wellington dog attack

A man is in hospital with serious injuries following a dog attack in Wellington this morning.

The attack happened about 11.30am when two dogs were being walked in suburban Rongotai, either in or adjacent to the Rongotai College grounds, Wellington City Council spokesman Richard MacLean told NZPA.

"One was a small dog, the other was a much bigger bullmastiff dog. The big dog attacked the small dog, both owners tried to separate the dogs, but unsuccessfully," Mr MacLean said.

"Then a third guy, who might have been a staff member from Rongotai College, intervened and obviously got right amongst the dogs and as a result got attacked by the big dog."

The man was taken to hospital with serious bites to his legs arms and hands, Mr MacLean said, and there was a suggestion he might lose a finger.

The council had taken custody of the bullmastiff and would be seeking to get an order for its destruction, he said.

Police were investigating the incident.

- NZPA