‘Great sadness’: Young child believed killed in dog attack in Bay of Plenty

Saturday, 29 March 2025

The person who died in a dog biting incident is believed to be a young child.

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Police were alerted to an incident where two people sustained dog bite injuries in the western Bay of Plenty about 2.50pm on Friday.

“One person was transported to the Katikati Medical Centre in a critical condition, where sadly they died a short time later,” said a police spokesperson on Saturday.

The person who received moderate injuries was transported to hospital where they are still being treated, police said.

Police said animal management staff have taken the dogs involved in the incident, and are making enquiries on behalf of the coroner.

A Hato Hone St John spokesperson said they responded with one ambulance, a rapid response unit, a Prime vehicle, and a helicopter.

“Crews assessed and treated one patient who was transported via road to Tauranga Hospital in a serious condition.”

Tuapiro Marae Komiti said on social media the death took place on the whenua of Tuapiro.

“It is with great sadness that Tuapiro Marae acknowledges a recent death that took place on the Whenua of Tuapiro.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with all those who are affected by the loss. At this time our priority will be to support our whānau through this hard time.”

Western Bay of Plenty District Council general manager regulatory services Alison Curtis said their animal services team were contacted by police to assist with an urgent response to a dog attack at a property north of Katikati, in the Tuapiro area.

“Our officers responded promptly and removed three dogs from the property. These dogs are now safely secured at the Te Puke Animal Shelter.

“The owner has signed the dogs over to council custody.”

This marks the fourth dog-related death in the past five years.