A man has been charged following an alleged dog attack injuring a police officer in the state's New England region.
About 5.15am today (Tuesday 13 January 2026), officers attached to Oxley Police District were called to a caravan park on Short Street, Wee Waa, with reports of a man damaging property.
Police attended and were told a man had pushed a screen door into another man, striking him on the shoulder, before damaging a vehicle and other property nearby.
Officers attended a cabin onsite where they arrested a 30-year-old man, at which time the man allegedly threatened officers, refusing to comply with directions. Officers used OC spray to help effect the arrest.
It is alleged the man verbally encouraged his dog – a large black Mastiff cross – to attack officers in the cabin's front yard during the arrest, causing a senior constable to be bitten, suffering significant lacerations to his right leg.
During the arrest, the man allegedly bit a sergeant on the shoulder, before he was taken to Wee Waa Police Station.
While in custody, the man allegedly struck an officer in the neck before being further restrained.
The senior constable was taken by ambulance to Narrabri Hospital for sutures and further treatment.
The 30-year-old was charged with:
- Two counts of assault police officer in execution of duty without actual bodily harm,
- Two counts of destroy or damage property,
- Cause dog to inflict grievous bodily harm,
- Hinder or resist police officer in the execution of duty, and
- Common assault.
He was refused bail to appear before Bail Division Court 5 tomorrow (Wednesday 14 January 2026).
The dog was seized by council rangers.
