Dog bite sends Summerside child to hospital

The Humane Society is nowinvestigating a dog bite incident in Summerside, P.E.I. when a six-year-old child was bitten by what police are describing as a boxer-typedog.

The incident occurredjustust before 6:30 p.m. Tuesday at a home on Ottawa Street.

Police said the child, who is a friend of the owner's family had just come to the home. As the owner came to greet the visitors, the dog was able to slip by the owner and outside to where the child was located.

Cpl Jason Blacquiere with the Summerside Police explained what happened at the scene.

"Police along with EMS paramedics attended, located the child who had suffered a fairly significant bite to one of his arms and also his facial area."

The child was transported to Prince County Hospital where he receivedstitches in both his arm and cheeks. He was released last night and is recovering.

The Humane Society will now take the lead on the investigation, and Summerside Police will provide any assistance needed said Blacquiere.

"They start by monitoring the dog, making sure it's healthy, no communicable diseases, things of that nature. And then they'll determine what the next course of action is from there."

Blaquiere said there are no charges laid at this point, but there doesn't have to be for the dog to be put down. The Humane Society can make that decision.

Police said the owners of the dog have had it as a pet for a few years.