Police said they arrested a 31-year-old man last night after reports of a personal violence incident.

The man was put in a police truck but  allegedly kicked out and damaged the hinges on the door.

As they were transferring the man to another vehicle he allegedly tried to bite a police German Shepherd, which bit him on the right arm, police said.

He was taken to Lake Illawarra police station and treated by paramedics before being taken to Shellharbour Hospital, where he refused treatment, police said.

He was then taken back to the police station and charged with damaging property, committing an act of cruelty on an animal, resisting police, possessing a restricted substance and contravening a personal apprehended violence order.

Police said the man was later returned to hospital and received a number of stitches to his arm.

He was refused bail and will appear in Wollongong Local Court tomorrow.