Earlier, Christchurch City Council said it had not received any previous complaints about the dogs.

On Sunday, the council said the dogs had been impounded pending a police investigation.

“The owner may voluntarily surrender the dogs for euthanasia or on conviction, the court must grant an order for destruction unless the owner can demonstrate exceptional circumstances as to why the dogs should not be destroyed,” the council said.

“No decisions have been made and we have no further comment to make at this time.”

Earlier, Fendalton councillor David Cartwright told NZME it was “tragic” to hear of the attack.

“My absolute thoughts go out to everybody involved, the family, and even the first responders having to come and attend to them.

“It’s a disastrous, tragic event,” Cartwright said.

He said to the best of his knowledge, there have not been many dog attacks in Christchurch in recent times.

“I take heart in that the police say that there’s no further risk to the community,” Cartwright said.

He said the council has a dog bylaw, which is regularly reviewed.

“I will be asking staff to have a look at the current bylaws just to ensure that they are fit for purpose,” he said.

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