An elderly man has been seriously injured after being attacked by a dog in Hastings, with authorities confirming the animal had previously been impounded twice this year for roaming.
According to a report by Stuff, emergency services were called to Russell St South shortly after 2.20 pm on Monday following reports of the attack.
A witness, who was stopped at nearby traffic lights, said she saw the man being mauled by what she described as a muscular brown and white bull-type dog.
“I just saw an elderly gentleman on the floor with this dog just tossing him from side to side,” the woman, who asked to remain anonymous, told Stuff.
“And he's just screaming out ‘Help me! Help me! Get it off!’”
The witness said a woman in a nearby ute was also shouting for help, while another dog in the vehicle barked throughout the incident.
She said the attacking dog appeared to have latched onto the man's chest before members of the public intervened.
“It was a grey-haired lady and another man, pulled the dog backwards, which I wouldn't have dared to have done, but I suppose the adrenaline kicks in and you just help, don't you?” the woman said, as quoted by Stuff.
Staff from a nearby medical practice, The Doctors Hastings, also rushed to the scene to provide first aid before emergency services arrived, as reported by Stuff.
Police said Animal Control officers captured the dog following the attack.
Hato Hone St John confirmed the injured man suffered serious injuries and was transported by ambulance to Hawke's Bay Hospital, Stuff has reported.
A spokesperson for Hastings District Council identified the dog as an American Staffordshire-pit bull cross.
The council said the dog had been impounded twice in May for roaming and has now been seized by Animal Control. Authorities are continuing to investigate the incident alongside police, as reported by Stuff.
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