Girl, 7, Bitten In Face By Stray Pit Bull Mom Brought Home

PERRIS (CBSLA.com) —  Authorities say a 7-year-old girl was bitten in the face Wednesday evening by stray dog her mother had brought home.

The girl was taken to a hospital for treatment of her wounds, which included bites and lacerations to her face.

The extent of the injuries was unclear.

Officials said the girl's mother saw the dog, a 2-year-old female  pit bull, walking near their home on Spring Street in an unincorporated area just south of Perris.

The Riverside County Sheriff's Department responded to the call about the attack and took the dog to the Western Riverside County/City Animal Shelter in Jurupa Valley, where it will be quarantined for at least 10 days.

Animal Services officials remind the public to be careful about picking up stray dogs, especially if not fully cognizant of the dog's temperament.

Field Services Commander Rita Gutierrez said she appreciates good Samaritans taking in strays but tempers her enthusiasm with caution.

"When a kind person takes a dog off the street and brings it home, he or she should bear in mind that the dog is not in familiar surroundings," she said. "The dog may show signs of fear, and these types of dogs should not be around small children."

To all future good Samaritans, she advises: Find a safe and secure place in a yard or garage, then call Animal Services to arrange a pickup time.

Deputy Director Frank Corvino said it was terrible to hear about the child being bitten.

"It was particularly sad because her mother was showing kindness to someone else's pet," Corvino said in a statement.