Two police officers have been injured, with one requiring surgery, after they were bitten by a dog while making an arrest in Rotorua last night.
Police said the officers were at an address on Old Taupo Rd at around 9.10pm to find a person with a warrant for arrest.
The offender was located and taken into custody, but during the arrest, a dog at the property attacked one of the officers.
A second officer who tried to intervene was also injured.
Bay of Plenty District Commander Superintendent Tim Anderson said welfare was being wrapped around the injured staff.
“The two staff members went through to hospital for treatment. One of them required surgery.
“Obviously this is a distressing incident for both them and their colleagues, and they are receiving all available support.”
He said he was “extremely proud” of the bravery of police, “particularly the courage shown by the second officer, who jumped in to stop his colleague being attacked even further”.
Police debrief after any injury sustained in the line of duty, he added.
“Police will debrief and look at how we can prevent this in the future.”
Animal control had been advised and uplifted the animal involved.
