Warning this story contains graphic images and content.

A Western Bay of Plenty man wants the dogs who attacked his border collie Molly, leaving “horrifying" gaping wounds, locked up so they can’t hurt anyone else.

Paul Gibbs thought someone had put a red collar on his dog when she arrived on the deck of their Whakamārama home around 9am on December 4.

After a closer look, he says he realised his 13-year-old dog was bleeding from "horrifying" gaping wounds and her neck had been “ripped open”.

Paul says he believed she was attacked by two German shepherds that came from a ute filling up at a nearby petrol station.

“I thought she'd been hit by a car, but she never leaves our property," he says.

“She’s literally got stitches from the top of her neck, right around to the bottom.

One of the border collie's wounds before she had surgery. Photo: Supplied.

Paul says he saw a ute pull into their property and a man put two dogs in the vehicle.

He says he tried to stop the man from leaving, but was bitten on the hand, drawing blood.

“It was quite painful. I had to go to the doctor to get a tetanus shot and get it treated.”

A police officer, who he flagged down as he drove past, attempted to stop the driver leaving the property, says Paul.

He says the police put out spikes to stop the vehicle, but the driver avoided them and drove away.

Molly required immediate surgery, antibiotics and daily vet visits to check the wounds, he says.

Paul was told yesterday she no longer needed daily vet visits and would be seen in two days’ time.

“They’re [the vet] really quite happy with the progress.”

The vet bills have cost thousands and they weren’t sure if Molly would be ok at first, he says.

Molly’s wounds after surgery. Photo: Supplied.

“They stitched her all up, but they didn't know how it was going to go.

“The infection was a big thing that was knocking her round. He [the vet] didn't ever say in so many words that she was going to die, but they don't say that sort of thing."

Paul says he wanted action to ensure the dogs can’t hurt anyone else.

“It could have been kids. My grandkids live on the same property.

“They [the dogs] could go out and attack someone else, there's no doubt about it.

“It's quite a serious matter that needs to be dealt with really quickly, even if the dogs are located and locked up.”

Paul reported the attack to the Western Bay of Plenty District Council, and he is considering filling an assault charge with police against the dog owner for biting him.

A police spokesperson confirmed an officer assisted after a dog attack at a Whakamārama property and the matter hand been referred to animal control.

Western Bay of Plenty District Council team leader animal services Peter Hrstich says the council was investigating the incident.

Molly has been part of the Gibbs family for 13 years. Photo: Supplied.

“We are aware of a dog attack that took place at a private property in Whakamārama on 4 December.

“We are investigating the incident, but it is too early to say what action will be taken.

“There are a number of factors that need to be taken into consideration when a dog attack takes place and it is important that we take the time to gather all the information, so that the appropriate action can be taken.”

The council considered the degree of injuries, the owner and dog’s history such as previous attacks, whether it was provoked, what level of control the owner had over the dog at the time and the environment in which the incident took place, says Peter.

After a dog attack the council gathers evidence before compiling a report, he says.

“Depending on the circumstances of the attack and what is available to us, evidence can include video footage, photographs, and statements from witnesses.”

Asked for an updated on the investigation, Peter says the investigation is ongoing.

“It is important that we take the necessary time to gather and compile all the evidence available to us, before coming to a decision.”

A decision is not expected until the new year, he says

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