The Ministry of Home Affairs is “deeply concerned” after several people, including a two-year-old child, were attacked by dogs in recent days.

A spokesman confirmed that there had been four separate attacks since November 8. Attacks were also reported by the news site TNN.

The child reportedly sustained scalp injuries after being bitten by a pitbull-type, mixed-breed dog inside a home in the Forest Hills, Warwick, area.

At least one dog has been put down while others have been seized by the Animal Control unit of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.

The ministry said it was collaborating with the Canine Advisory Committee to address the issue “comprehensively”.

The spokesman said that the young child was taken to King Edward VII Memorial Hospital for treatment.

“This incident underscores the vital responsibility of parents and guardians to ensure the safety of young children around animals, even within a home environment,” he added.

A spokesman for the Bermuda Police Service said the two-year-old child was at home playing with the family dog when the animal bit the toddler’s head.

“Attending police officers and an animal warden conducted initial inquiries, with the animal warden later seizing the dog.”

Police and the ministry said the first attack on November 8 was on Robert’s Avenue in Devonshire, when a woman was bitten on the shin by two pitbull-type dogs.

The ministry spokesman said: “This matter is under investigation and Animal Control is working to determine the next steps.”

The police spokesman said: “Apparently a 48-year-old Devonshire woman on a motorcycle stopped near her home on Robert’s Avenue to speak with a neighbour sitting on his porch when the man’s two dogs left the porch and bit her.

“However, she was able to ride away and seek treatment at the hospital.

“An animal warden and the attending police officers conducted initial inquiries.”

The ministry said that there had been another attack on November 9 near the Rubber Tree in Warwick at about 11.15am.

The spokesman said: “A 45-year-old male victim suffered severe injuries to both arms while attempting to place a collar on his dog, a male pitbull-type dog he had owned for five years.

“The dog was surrendered to the animal warden and has since been euthanased.

“The ministry reiterates the importance of proper training and socialisation of potentially dangerous animals to prevent such incidents.”

The BPS spokesman said the man suffered serious injuries to both forearms and had been in and out of consciousness.

The Bermuda Fire and Rescue Service, along with emergency medical services personnel, also responded.

The BPS said: “The injured male was attended to at the scene before he was transported by ambulance to King Edward VII Memorial Hospital for further treatment.

“The animal wardens collected the dog from the scene.”

On November 10, a 32-year-old woman was bitten in the face after approaching a barking dog behind a fence.

The ministry spokesman said: “This unfortunate event highlights the importance of respecting boundaries when approaching unfamiliar dogs, even if they appear restrained.”

Police said that follow-up inquiries regarding attack incidents were being conducted by Animal Control.

The ministry spokesman said: “We are committed to reviewing and implementing measures to enhance public safety and promote responsible pet ownership.

“We thank the public for their vigilance and co-operation, and remind dog owners to be responsible for their pets.”

• For more information on dog ownership, visitwww.gov.bm/regulations-pertaining-animals-island