Pitbull attack victim fighting for life

An unregistered pit-bull terrier was today seized after an attack at a home in Manurewa.

The dog's victim is in intensive care in Middlemore Hospital, suffering from life threatening injuries, Manukau City Council spokesperson Gabrielle Hinton said in a statement.

Animal control officers seized and impounded the animal after they were called to the house by police late this morning.

The dog will be kept locked up while the council awaits the outcome of a police investigation. It is working with the police to find the owner.

Kevin Jackson, the council's manager for environmental health and compliance, said the council introduced a policy last December authorising the seizure of all unregistered dogs, unless the owner is immediately able to pay a registration fee.

"Pit-bulls are classified as a menacing breed by the council and as such are required to be muzzled at all times while they are in a public place, and must be de-sexed," he said.

- NZPA