A dog has been injured after the truck it was in crashed into a power pole in Christchurch this morning.

A police spokeswoman said emergency services were called to the corner of Durham Street South and Stanley Street in Sydenham at 10.40AM.

The driver was uninjured, but his dog had to be cut free from the smashed cabin by Fire and Emergency firefighters.

Sydenham Fire Station staff rushed the Pitbull cross to the After Hours Veterinary Clinic on Antigua Street.

A spokeswoman from the clinic said the dog suffered an injured leg, but was otherwise healthy and was expected to be ok.

She was also reminding the public to look after their animals this festival season, particularly on Christmas day, given the expensive costs on the day.

“Christmas can be a busy day for us, particularly with owners feeding their pets food that can be toxic to animals.

Chocolate and raisins and grapes were particularly toxic to dogs.

After-Hours Veterinary Clinic prices on Christmas day costs $260 for a consultation.’