On Sunday afternoon, an 8-year-old Palm River girl was attacked by a dog. She was later hospitalized with non-life threatening injuries.

Hillsborough County Fire Rescue were called on a report of a dog attacking a child at 2:20 p. m. in the 3200 block of Lancaster Lane.

Animal Control was called to the scene and said the dog was a male breed know as an American Staffordshie Terrier. He was taken away.

A relative of the injured girl said the attack came as a shock to everyone.

“No one has ever complained about that dog before. We have visited the owner’s residence many times, and nothing has ever happened. This took us all by surprise.”

The relative, who didn’t want to be identified, said the dog’s owner was also shocked, and no one knows what made the dog attack the girl.

“When we’d go over to visit, she always interacted with the dog, and there were never any problems.

“The incident scared her, and she’s in a lot of pain. It could have been a lot worse, and we’re all grateful for that. She’s at home resting now, and I think her school year is over.”

Animal Services will continue to investigate the incident.