A three-year-old boy from north Queensland is in stable condition in a Brisbane hospital after being attacked by a dog.

The boy had surgery yesterday after being bitten on the neck by a German shepherd at a home in West Mackay on Saturday night.

The dog, which is a family pet, also bit the boy’s grandfather, who tried to stop the attack.

Ken Furdek from Mackay Regional Council says the dog has been impounded

“We’re simply providing assistance to the police,” he said.

“It did occur on private property so police are investigating the circumstances behind the incident.

“We simply cared for the dog and it will remain in the pound until we hear further from the police.”