The teenager injured during an incident involving two dogs in Burnside has come forward to say the animals did not attack anyone, and that his injuries happened while he was breaking up a fight between them.

A police spokesperson told Chris Lynch Media officers were called to Guildford Street about 5pm on Saturday, following a report of a dog attack.

Police said the teenager suffered moderate injuries.

The teenager contacted Chris Lynch Media after the original report from emergency services. “They never attacked me, they attacked each other and I broke it up with my hands causing the injuries,” the teenager said.

The dogs are American Staffordshire terriers.

“They are both under rehoming stress as I am rehoming them and because of that stress they became food aggressive towards each other. The dogs were not dangerous. The dogs have been separated so another incident won’t occur.

“They are both very loving dogs that were under a lot of stress at the time.”

The teenager said he was still able to use his hands. “I didn’t get any stitches or skin glue for the injuries,” he said.

A St John spokesperson said an ambulance was sent to the scene. “Our crew assessed and treated one patient who was transported to a local medical centre in a moderate condition,” the spokesperson said.

Animal control officers were notified and have been involved in the incident. The Christchurch City Council has been approached for comment.