Police are yet to lay charges on the owners of a dog that bit a three-year-old boy in Matapihi yesterday but believe they will be in a better position to make a decision early next week.

The toddler is in a stable and comfortable condition in Tauranga Hospital's children's ward after being bitten once on the face by an adult male pitbull-cross at a Waikarie Road property about 8.40am on Thursday.

A pitbull dog has been impounded from a Matapihi property after biting a three-year-old boy yesterday.

Tauranga Police Inspector Karl Wright-St Clair says police have spoken with neighbours and witnesses to the incident but are not in a position to confirm whether any charges will be laid under the Dog Control Act.

The boy, from Hastings, was playing in the yard near the dog when he was bitten. It is understood the boy and his parents were visiting relatives at the property, who own the dog.

The dog was seized by animal control officers after the incident yesterday and Tauranga City Council animal services team leader Brent Lincoln says the dog remains in the pound.

He says the dog is registered with council but is not microchipped.

'I understand the child is in hospital so that probably categorises it as a serious attack in terms of what the legislation says,” says Brent.

St John Ambulance acting district operations manager Ross Clark said at the time the boy suffered facial lacerations and was transported from Matapihi to Tauranga Hospital by Mount Maunganui paramedics.

He said the injuries were moderate and believed the boy will make a 'good recovery”.

Police are unable to comment further as the matter is now under investigation.