Bethesda police told NEWS9 a rotweiller attacked a 5-year-old girl around 4:00 p.m. Saturday.

The child suffered head, shoulder and wrist injuries from bites from the dog, according to police.

Authorities told NEWS9 the young girl was initially taken to Barnesville Hospital.

Chief Tim Zdanski said the incident happened on Judson Street while the girl, her family, neighbors and friends were all outside working on the yard and enjoying the day.

Zdanski said the rotweiller belonged to a friend of a neighbor of the girl's father.

The girl did not provoke the dog, according to police. Zdanski said he believes the dog bit the girl because it was very protective of its owner.

The Belmont County dog warden was notified of the situation.

Workers with the New Horizon Animal Hospital told NEWS9 that the rotweiller was euthanized late Saturday, per the owner's request. Officials said the dog's head was being shipped to experts for rabies testing.

As of 7:00 p.m. Saturday the child was being taken to a children's hospital in Columbus for treatment.

Police reports said after the incident the owner of the rotweiller was also treated at an area hospital for shock.

Officers are investigating the case.

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