A 4-year-old girl has suffered serious facial injuries after being attacked by the family dog.
Police were called to Kauri about 1.15pm yesterday after the girl was attacked by a pitbull shar pei cross, said Whangarei Senior Sergeant Stephanie Hudson.
The girl suffered serious facial injuries.
Police understood her family drove her to the St John Ambulance Station on Western Hills Drive and she was then transported by ambulance to Whangarei Hospital.
Grant Couchman, Whangarei District Council regulatory services manager, said animal control went to the address and the unregistered dog, which was the family pet, was surrendered by the family.
"Animal control are completing an investigation and once this has been completed the course of action going forward can be determined. Police are also involved in the investigation," said Couchman.
A Whangarei Hospital spokeswoman said the girl was in a stable condition and was still being assessed yesterday afternoon.