A dog has been fatally shot by Christchurch police after it attacked a police dog during an operation.
Christchurch superintendent Lane Todd said police were called to a property on Ferry Road just after 2pm on Tuesday to a report someone had slashed another person's tyre with a knife.
Officers were armed as a precaution.
"During the arrest of a male at the address, a dog has come from inside and attacked a Police dog," Todd said.
"Officers have attempted to use OC spray and a Taser to subdue the dog, but these were unsuccessful, and the dog was subsequently shot by Police."
Todd confirmed the dog was immediately taken to a local vet for treatment but it has since died.
The police dog which was attached was also checked by a vet and sustained non-life-threatening injuries.
"Police never take the shooting of an animal lightly, but it is sometimes necessary to ensure the safety of our staff, Police dogs, and members of the public," Todd said.
