Updated 6:40pm: The owner of a pitbull that attacked a seven-year-old today says he is shocked the dog was so violent as it had been brought up around people.

Henare Carroll says his 7-year-old nephew Darnell was staying at his home in Takanini for the weekend.

Though Mr Carroll didn't see this afternoon's attack happen, he thinks his nephew gave the three-year-old pitbull a fright.

The dog attacked the boy, pinning him to a bed and mauling him.

The boy has nine facial puncture wounds, but is tonight in Middlemore Hospital in a stable condition.

Auckland Council manager of animal management Geoff Keber said the dog has been handed over to the council.