SALINA — A 6-year-old girl from Hays is recovering from injuries after a serious dog bite.

The girl was attacked by a pit bull while riding in a vehicle in north Salina on Thursday, according to Vanessa Cowie, animal services manager for the city of Salina.

The child was transported to Salina Regional Medical Center and then to a hospital in Wichita for injuries to her face and neck.

“This was just a bad accident,” said Cowie.

The dog’s owner, who is a Hays resident and relative of the girl, turned the dog over to the animal shelter where it was checked for rabies.

“The owner didn’t break any laws,” Cowie said. “He decided to euthanize the dog. He was not forced to do this, but it was the right decision.”