The dog that killed a one-year-old boy in a backyard attack last week was registered and had never come to the attention of authorities, Christchurch City Council says.
Sonny-Charles Watson, 1, died at a Basingstoke St property in the suburb of Aranui on Friday afternoon.
Christchurch City Council head of regulatory compliance Tracey Weston said the crossbreed was being held at the animal shelter while police investigated.
"The dog involved, a crossbreed, is currently being held at the Animal Shelter pending the outcome of the police investigation. The dog is registered and has not previously come to the Council's attention. There had been no prior reason for Council officers to visit the property," Weston said.
Police were called to the address at around 4.45pm on Friday following reports a child had sustained dog bite injuries. Detective Senior Sergeant Dan Overend said a young child was found in a critical condition at the scene.
"Despite the immediate efforts of first responders and a member of the household, the child sadly died at the scene," Overend said.
Overend said the dog was known to the occupants and lived at the address.
Weston said the council was working closely with police and would not comment further while the investigation continued.
'Light of our lives'
Sonny's parents, in a statement released through police, described their son as the light of everyone's life.
"Sonny was not just the light of our lives but everyone he came in contact with. The most beautiful little boy, full of love and laughter for everyone. Shine bright our ray of sunshine," they said.
In an earlier tribute posted to social media, the parents said they had lost their "wee sunshine" and asked for time to grieve.
"Fly high sunshine. Love you forever," they wrote.
A Givealittle page set up by a close friend to support the couple had raised more than $37,000 by Monday morning, with the organiser saying they hoped to ease the financial burden on the family as they grieved.
"Our dear friends, Greg and Jordan, are facing the unimaginable following the sudden and heartbreaking loss of their 1-year-old son," the friend wrote.
"His beautiful presence touched many lives, and he will be deeply missed by everyone who had the privilege of knowing him."
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