The owner of a pitbull that bit a seven-year-old girl in the face on Sunday is now facing charges.

Morgan Hildebrandt was tobogganing in the city with a friend when she was attacked by the dog, suffering a laceration near her eye, and had to undergo surgery.

The pitbull has now been released to its owner, who is charged with a dog bite resulting in serious injury, and having a dog in a prohibited area.

The owner could face a fine up to $10,000.

The city’s Animal Bylaw Services Manager Andrew Bissett says no other actions will be taken against the canine.