An illegal pitbull was surrendered to the dog wardens over the weekend after it attacked a young child.

The boy was taken to King Edward VII Memorial Hospital’s emergency room after the attack that occurred on Sunday in Southampton. The Ministry of Health, Seniors and the Environment told The Royal Gazette last night that an investigation into the incident was under way.

“The ministry can confirm that animal wardens received reports of a dog attack on a child that occurred on Sunday, February 7, in Southampton,” a ministry spokesman said. “The incident has been confirmed, the dog identified as an illegal pitbull and has been surrendered. Investigations are ongoing.”

A hospital spokeswoman confirmed that the victim, believed to be of primary school age, was treated and discharged.

A Bermuda Police Service spokesman said: “We have nothing in our system on this matter.”

The ministry released figures in January 2014 showing that pitbulls were responsible for 141 of the 259 “important complaints” made about dogs in 2012 and 2013.

Of those 141 complaints, 37 involved a pitbull biting or injuring another animal, 20 involved biting or injuring a person and 26 involved chasing or threatening behaviour.

Between January 1 and September 30 last year, the department seized 42 pitbulls and 47 were caught straying or were surrendered to dog wardens. All were destroyed.

Anyone with information can contact the Dog Hotline 239-2327.