A Rolleston dog owner is demanding accountability after his family Cavoodle was seriously injured in an unprovoked attack during a morning walk.

Bevan Sandison said his wife was walking their two dogs on leads about 8.00am on Sunday near their home when a large white dog suddenly appeared from behind a bush, ran across the road, and attacked the smaller dog.

Sandison said the dog bit into the Cavoodle’s neck and back and refused to let go.

“Thankfully my wife’s screams for help were answered by an absolutely top young bloke, who raced out of a nearby house and was able to get the dog off of Milo,” Sandison said.

He said the ordeal continued as the attacking dog chased the injured pet down the driveway of their home, where the Cavoodle hid under a car before the man was able to reach her and pick her up.

Sandison said the dog’s owners arrived shortly after, but were unable to prevent another attack.

“The owners of the aggressive dog arrived in their car, but couldn’t stop her leaping up and biting once again, doing serious damage to our dogs privates area,” he said.

The Cavoodle was rushed to a veterinary clinic for emergency surgery. Sandison said vets worked to stop the bleeding.

Sandison told chrislynchmedia.com the dog had come through surgery but was under close observation. “He’s pulled through surgery well thankfully.”

Council dog control acted and found the owners and impounded the dog pending an investigation this week.

“I haven’t spoken to the dogs owners, and will see how Council get on dealing with them, and if they can make them pay our vet costs. If not, I guess I will need to chase them up myself.”

He said he had chosen not to publicly identify the owners. “I blocked out their car and pictures of them I posted as didn’t want them getting too much hate, even if I feel they deserve it, as I don’t know how it got out, if it’s a common thing, a troublesome dog with a past, or if they are good owners and it was a one off mistake with it escaping.

“Of note, they drove a modern expensive car, so not the stereotypical type most are imagining. Will be interesting if they reach out, they obviously know where we live, and if they will pay our costs. Hopefully so,” he said.

Sandison said veterinary costs were expected to exceed $3,000. He said the emotional toll on his family had been significant, with his wife shaken by the ordeal and worried about the lasting impact on their pet.

“He will end up a mentally scarred dog that will likely never be willing to leave our house in fear of big dogs. All because someone couldn’t keep their aggressive dog secure,” Sandison said.

Selwyn District Council animal control officers were contacted and have reviewed home security footage of the incident.

Sandison urged owners of large or aggressive dogs to ensure their animals were properly secured, saying the attack could have had far worse consequences.

“I think it’s shocking, and people need to take more care with certain breeds not to let them out. This is why I don’t let my teenage girls walk our dogs, out of fear of this exact situation,” he said.

“To the champion of a bloke who came and helped my wife, I thank you from the bottom of my heart, as who knows what would have happened if you hadn’t had come to the rescue. Thank you,” Sandison said.

A Selwyn District Council spokeswoman said “it is investigating an attack report and a dog has been impounded.

“It would not be appropriate to comment further, while the investigation is ongoing.”