SDLP councillor Paul McCusker. Picture by Hugh Russell

BELFAST City Council is said to be preparing legal action over a dog which mauled an eight-year-old girl last month.

Annie McFadden suffered horrific injuries which required 80 stitches to her head and body, with doctors saying a wound to her chest was just 2cms from piercing her heart.

The child was attacked after she left her home at Brucevale Park, off the Cliftonville Road, on May 12.

But more than one month on, the whereabouts of the dog are not known.

SDLP councillor Paul McCusker last night appealed for information.

"The council are preparing a file to go to court," he said.

SDLP councillor Paul McCusker. Picture by Hugh Russell

"The owner has been interviewed and the council is now going down the legal route.

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"There's concern in the community. The family is very concerned it hasn't been dealt with."

Mr McCusker added: "Could this happen again? Who exactly is at risk of attack? This child nearly died and we need to ensure we are doing everything we can to make sure this dog is taken off the streets."

A spokeswoman for Belfast city council said: "This case remains a priority for our dog warden team who are continuing to investigate this incident. Council cannot provide any further comment while the investigation is ongoing."