The owner has been issued with two penalty notices for keeping savage dogs and not securing the dogs.

A police officer fired a gun at a dog that mauled people in a suburban park on Monday evening after five people were allegedly injured in a vicious attack.

Two children allegedly received bruises and puncture wounds while playing at a Metford park when the dogs allegedly attacked around 7pm.

Three adults who intervened in the attack were also allegedly injured. 

Two of the adults remain in hospital after receiving serious lacerations that required surgery.

The drama began when Leah McInnes’ four children walked to the oval on Metford’s Chelmsford Drive to play soccer at around 6.30pm.

“As they headed down a couple of dogs approached them, they seemed friendly,” Ms McInnes said.

But the dogs, which Ms McInnes suspects were bull mastiffs, allegedly changed their disposition.

The eldest daughter called Mc McInnes’ husband, Donald, for help.

As Mr McInnes rushed to his family’s aid, he allegedly came across another woman being attacked by the dogs and was himself badly injured.

A 24-year-old man, who lives nearby, then came to assist.

He was also allegedly bitten by the dogs and received lacerations to his arm and leg.

Police, along with the council ranger, cornered the animals while paramedics tended to the wounded.

Maitland Police duty officer Inspector Glen Blaine said an officer discharged their weapon at one of the dogs but missed.

The council ranger apprehended the dogs alive.

The woman was transported to John Hunter Hospital and Mr McInnes was admitted to Maitland Hospital for surgery on his hand on Tuesday afternoon.

Ms McInnes said her children were left traumatised by the event – her youngest was even scared of their family dog.

Police are urging anyone with information in relation to this incident to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.