The Bay of Plenty community is wrapping around the family of a preschooler who died after being attacked by dogs.

The four-year-old and another person were savaged on Friday afternoon - the second person has moderate injuries.

Animal management staff have taken the dogs that were involved.

Western Bay of Plenty Mayor James Denyer says his heart goes out to the family.

He says the best thing people can do is give them privacy and work with police.