Bandung. A 9-year-old girl suffered injuries to her head and ear after being attacked by a pit bull while playing in Bandung Regency on Sunday.

The girl required intensive hospital treatment and underwent surgery on her ear. Police have secured and quarantined the dog while investigating whether negligence by its owner contributed to the incident.

The attack was captured by CCTV cameras at the Grand Cendana Residence housing complex in Arjasari district. The footage showed the girl falling to the ground as the dog attacked her while several residents rushed to help.

Residents used various objects to fend off the dog until it eventually released the girl and moved away.

Local Police Chief Asep Dedi said the incident began when the owner took the dog out of its enclosure to clean the area. The dog was restrained with a chain but managed to break free.

“The dog had been tied up, but it broke free, ran into the residential area, and bit the child,” Asep told reporters on Monday.

The girl suffered lacerations to her head and ear. According to information received by police, her wounds required 27 stitches and surgery on her ear.

“According to the hospital examination, she suffered injuries to her head and ear. She underwent ear surgery last night and was transferred to the recovery room this morning,” Asep said.

Police are investigating whether the owner was negligent in handling the dog. Asep said the animal had initially been restrained but apparently managed to escape because of its strength.

“The dog was tied up, but perhaps because it was so strong, it eventually broke free and entered the residential area,” he said.

Following the attack, police secured the dog and placed it in quarantine. The owner has also been questioned at the Pameungpeuk Police station, although authorities have not disclosed the person’s identity.

Asep said the owner had apologized to the girl’s family and agreed to cover her medical expenses until she recovers.

Police and neighborhood representatives have also discussed the future handling of the dog. Under an agreement with the housing complex management, the animal will no longer be kept by its owner and will remain at a quarantine facility, Asep said.

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