'I am hurting for this family': Dog removed after fatal attack on Christchurch child

The dog involved in a fatal attack on a child in Christchurch has been removed from the home where it happened with animal control notified. 

And support for the family of the child - understood to be a toddler - is pouring in from the community. 

Emergency services were called to an Aranui address at 4.45pm yesterday following reports a child had sustained critical injuries after being bitten by a dog. 

“Despite the immediate efforts of first responders, and a member of the household, the child sadly died at the scene,” Detective Senior Sergeant Dan Overend said. 

“The dog involved was known to the occupants of the address and lived at the property.” 

Tributes have been left outside the house where the attack happened yesterday. Photo / Anna Leask 

Overend confirmed this morning that the dog had been removed from the Basingstoke St property and police had been in touch with Christchurch City Council animal control. 

“Police are continuing to make inquiries into the fatal dog attack in Aranui yesterday,” he said. 

“This includes speaking with those who live at the home, as well as providing them with support.” 

Christchurch East MP Reuben Davidson told RNZ the death was a tragedy for the family and the wider community. 

Councillor for the Burwood Ward Kelly Barber said his first thoughts were with the child’s family. 

“It’s a very sad situation, and my first thoughts were with the family and how devastated they must be at the loss of their child,” he said. 

“I also hope there is something we can learn from the ongoing police investigation that reduces the likelihood of this ever happening again.” 

Safekids, the national injury prevention service of Starship Children’s Health, issued a statement about the death. 

“We are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of the tamaiti in Christchurch, and our heartfelt condolences go out to their whānau, friends and community at this incredibly difficult time,” the agency said. 

“There are no words that can ease the pain of losing a child. 

“Our thoughts are with everyone grieving such a devastating loss.” 

News of the child’s death has also attracted online support from the community. 

People have been posting on various social media pages to send condolences to the family. 

Flowers have also been left at the entrance to the property. 

A man who lives on the street and knows the family posted: “This is a sad day for the street community. I live in this street, and the victim’s family are very quiet, nice people. 

“They have a huge dog always sitting looking out the window when I pass by. Please pray for the grieving family members... What I have witnessed is absolutely heartbreaking.” 

“As someone who’s [sic] dog has unfortunately bitten a child before I am hurting for this family,” another person posted on a community page. 

“Way too much heartbreak to bear. Absolutely feel for the family for the loss of their loved family members – pooch is family too,” another said. 

One woman wrote: “So much aroha to the whānau right now, rest in love little one.” 

Another said: “This is the saddest news… condolences to the family facing this horrific time.” 

Many urged people not to speculate on what had happened at the house and jump to conclusions about the dog. 

“Keep comments respectful… regarding the dog attack…. Don’t start with the swearing and blaming the owner – you don’t know the circumstances.” 

On another page, a woman wrote: “Having been bitten myself and knowing the horror of that, this would be horrific for both the child and those seeing it.” 

“My heart goes out to the little pēpi, first responders and animal control for this horrible event,” another said. 

“Kia kaha to the whānau of this pēpi.” 

Overend said police also extended their condolences to the child’s family and loved ones at this time and asked that their privacy be respected. 

The child’s death follows similar tragedies in the North Island. 

Mihiata Te Rore, 62, died in 2026 after she was fatally injured by a dog when visiting a property in Kaihu, Northland. 

In 2025, a child died after being attacked by a dog in the Western Bay of Plenty.