The investigation is continuing today into a dog attack on a 7-year-old girl in Murupara.
Enquiries have established that the dogs were registered and micro-chipped family pets, secure on the owners' semi-rural property. There were adults on the property at the time of the incident and the girl's family are friends with the owner.
There was no requirement for the dogs to be seized as the owner immediately took steps to have them put to sleep by a vet.
The circumstances as to what prompted the dogs to attack are still being investigated and it is too early to say whether any charges will be laid.
Immediately following the incident a neighbour assisted the family by driving the girl to the medical centre from where she was airlifted to Rotorua Hospital by the Bay Trust Rescue Helicopter.
She was later flown to Middlemore Hospital where she has undergone surgery and remains in a critical condition.
Her family are with her and they are requesting privacy at this time.
Kim Perks
Communications Manager
Bay of Plenty Police
027 234 8256