The incident happened on Wednesday, Aug. 6 around 10 p.m. on Marsh Lane in north Ajax.

Durham Regional Police report the girl was walking on a pathway between two homes with a pair of friends when the dog, appearing friendly, approached. After petting the dog for about 10 minutes, she stopped and was then attacked.

The girl's friends had to pry the dog off the girl and after letting go, the dog ran off.

A nearby homeowner took the girl to the hospital. She had multiple facial wounds that required stitches.

Ajax Animal Services was called around 10:30 p.m. to help look for the dog, said Derek Hannan, the Town's bylaw services manager.

"It's still under investigation by the police. It's still under investigation by the Town," Mr. Hannan said.

Police spokesman Dave Selby said police are still looking for the dog.

He doesn't know if the girl will have to undergo rabies treatments if the animal is not found.

Anyone with information on the dog is asked to call 19 Division (Ajax-Pickering) at 905-683-9100, ext. 2525.

Anonymous tips can also be left with the Durham Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477. Tipsters could be eligible for a $2,000 cash reward.