Local

Child bitten in face by dog at Animal Rescue League

PITTSBURGH — Authorities have confirmed to Channel 11 News that a child was rushed to the hospital Monday morning after getting bitten in the face by a dog.

According to police, the 3-year-old boy was bitten in the face at the Animal Rescue League in Pittsburgh.

Dan Rossi, the executive director at the Animal Rescue League, said the dog that bit the boy was in the lobby waiting to be seen.

“Another couple was coming in to surrender their dog. They had a small child with them. The child came in the door first and dog that was waiting to be seen apparently nipped the child on its cheek,” Rossi said.

Rossi said the child was taken to UPMC Children’s Hospital.

He said incidents like this are rare, but serve as a reminder to be cautious around any dog.

“Any time animals are around, you need to have a heightened awareness, especially because you don’t know how that dog will act with children,” Rossi said. “You want to make sure your child doesn’t run up to strange animals, just because you don’t know their demeanor.”

Rossi said the dog is up-to-date on its shots and will be quarantined at home for the next 10 days.