Baby girl loses most of her nose in pit bull attack

Paramedics say a one-year-old Ottawa girl who was attacked by a pit bull Sunday morning couldhave breathing problems for the rest of her life because the dog bit off most of her nose.

Emergency crewsresponded to the 90block ofDraffinCourt at about 9:10 a.m. ET Sunday, where they found the baby girl with multiple severe lacerations to her face.

Paramedics took the girl to hospital in serious but stable condition. The injuries were not considered life-threatening, and she was in surgery as of early Sunday afternoon.

Paramedics said the baby lost most of her nose due to the dog bite and her breathing couldbe affected for the rest of her life.

Ottawa police, who are investigating, took the pit bull into their custody. The City of Ottawa's bylaw department is also investigating.

Police said the child was bitten on the nose while the family was playingwith a dog inside their home.Neighbours say the dog, named Boss, had bitten a child before.

The neighbour said the family, who has two other dogs,had taken the pit bull from a friend who was unable to train it. The dog was undergoing rehabilitation.

The parents of the child could face a charge of up to $10,000, and possibly six months in jail, if they knew the dog had a history of attacks.

Pit bull ban ineffect since2005

In Ontario, its illegal to own, import or breed a pit bull, which is one of several breeds including theStaffordshire Bull Terrier,American Pit Bull Terrier,American Staffordshire Terrier, pit bull terrier, or any mix thereof.

People who owned pit bulls before the ban was put in place in August 2005 were allowed to keep their animals, but owners are ordered to ensure the dogs are spayed or neutered.

The dogs also have to be muzzled and leashed in public.

The law also gives judges the right to put down the animals if theyve been involved in an attack.

• On mobile? Click here to find out where the attack happened.