Two Taranaki officers came to the aid of a woman this morning in New Plymouth while she was being attacked by an aggressive dog.
Police was called to a residential address in the City at about 9:30am by the woman's neighbour after they saw her in her backyard being attacked by what is believed to be one of her three dogs.
Acting Taranaki Area Commander, Detective Inspector Keith Borrell says: "Upon arriving at the scene officers located the woman who was still being attacked by the dog. She had already sustained substantial bite marks to her arms, legs, and face."
"To prevent further harm to the woman one of the officers took immediate action and discharged a single shot at the dog from a police issue firearm, killing it instantly.
"Due to the decisive and swift actions of the attending officers the victim was saved from sustaining more serious injuries. She was transported by ambulance to the Taranaki Base Hospital where she is receiving medical treatment.
"Initial inquiries suggest one dog was responsible for the attack however, the two remaining dogs were taken away by a local animal control officer as a precaution."
ENDS
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