Two people have been fined and a shar pei dog classified as dangerous by council following an incident in Whitianga.

Animal control officers have investigated a complaint after a man was bitten by the two-year-old dog during an altercation between two groups of people in Cook Drive early last Sunday morning. The man received a 60mm rip to his leg.

A Whitianga man was bitten by a shar pei dog (pictured) following an altercation on Cook Drive. The dog has since been classified as dangerous.

According to Thames Coromandel District Council, interviews have established the person in charge of the dog at the time failed to control it. The person wasn't the registered owner.

'When police and animal control officers visited the owner's property to discuss the incident the man ran off, but was quickly apprehended and arrested on unrelated charges.

'The person in charge of the dog at the time of the incident will receive an infringement for failing to control the dog and the owner will receive an infringement for failing to microchip the dog.”

TCDC staff say they have released a photo of the shar pei, who lives near the New World in Whitianga, to notify the public the dog must not be in a public place unless muzzled and on a lead.

Council records show no formal complaints have previously been received about the registered dog.

Animal control officers believe the shar pei poses a risk to public safety and must be classified as dangerous due to its aggressive nature.

'The dog also needs to be kept within a secure area on the property, so that it is not necessary to enter the fenced area to access at least one door of the dwelling.”

The shar pei breed, also known as the Chinese fighting dog, is a powerful dog commonly used in China as a pit fighter.

Since being introduced into the Western world the dog has become more domesticated but still remains a powerful breed with a strong jaw that can be less than hospitable if not properly trained.

TCDC is asking anyone who sees the dog in a public place without being on a lead or muzzled to contact animal control immediately on 07 868 0200.