Boy, 2, hospitalized after being bitten in face by dog in Miami Gardens, police say

A 2-year-old boy was hospitalized on Tuesday after he was bitten by a dog in his Miami Gardens backyard, authorities said.

Miami Gardens police said they responded to a report of a dog bite involving a toddler shortly before 7 p.m. in the 3600 block of Northwest 191st Street.

Police said the boy was in the backyard when he was bitten on the face. Police initially said two pit bulls bit the boy but later said it was just one dog.

Miami-Dade Fire Rescue flew the toddler to Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital before he was transferred to Jackson Memorial Hospital, where he was reported to be in stable condition.

Police said the dog was a family pet and that it was being considered an accident.

Miami-Dade Animal Services was at the home on Wednesday where they picked up two pit bulls belonging to the family, who didn’t want to speak with reporters on camera.

It’s unclear which dog bit the child but the owners surrendered both of the pets, which were expected to be euthanized, Animal Services officials said.

“We don’t know what led up to the bite or the dog bite or the attack, at this time,” Miami Gardens Police spokesperson Diana Delgado said.

Officials said the parents won’t face charges.

Delgado had a message for owners as they hope to prevent future attacks.

“If you know the temperament of your dog, sometimes, just be mindful. Put your dog away, keep him away from any children,” she said.