New details have emerged about the charges being laid against the owner of the four dogs that attacked a young boy in Gisborne.

The dogs attacked the 5-year-old boy shortly after he had arrived at his grandmother's property on Saturday afternoon.

It is understood they were American Staffordshire bull terrier crosses.

A police spokesman confirmed the owner of the dogs would be charged with growing cannabis and possession of explosives -- ammunition.

It is understood the man did not have a firearms licence.

He's also being charged with owning a dog that causes injury, and at least three of the four dogs had been ordered to be put down.