The police notified the Council’s dog control team on Tuesday night that there had been a dog attack at 4.45pm at Lake Hayes Estate. A three year old Queenstown boy was bitten on the leg and taken to the Lakes District Hospital to be treated for three lacerations, two requiring several stitches.

Two dogs were involved in the incident — one Rottweiler (dog) and one Labrador Cross (bitch). Both dogs were immediately impounded by the Council on Tuesday night and will remain impounded until the Council has completed its investigation. The potential outcomes include infringement, menacing or dangerous dog classification, prosecution and or destruction of the dog/dogs.

The mother of the boy, who wishes to remain anonymous, said in a statement:

“We hope that no-one else has to go through something like this. It’s been a ghastly experience. I would hate to see something like this repeated in our lovely community and hope this sends a message to dog owners. I would also like to acknowledge the owners of the dogs that were involved. They have been very kind and co-operative. They are distraught about what has happened.”