JOHOR BARU: An 11-year-old girl was left with gruesome facial injuries after being mauled by her neighbour’s dog here.

Mersing OCPD Supt Cyril Edward Nuing said the victim was playing at her neighbour’s house on Friday when the chain holding the dog broke at about 7.30pm.

“The mixed-breed dog attacked the child and bit parts of her face and body.

“The victim who suffered serious injuries was sent to Hospital Rompin for treatment,” he said.

He said the child was later sent to a specialist hospital by her family for further treatment.

“Initial investigation showed the dog’s owner did not have any permit or licence to keep the animal.

“The veterinary department is currently conducting checks on the dog and observing it for any infectious diseases,” he said.

He said the case was being investigated as negligence with respect to animals under one’s possession.

Penalties for the offence are a jail term of up to six months or a fine of up to RM2,000, or both.