MIAMI BEACH, Fla. — A 1-year-old girl from New Jersey is recovering after her family says she was attacked by a dog while visiting Miami Beach on vacation.

The attack happened around 10 a.m. Friday at Beach View Park in Miami Beach.

Andy Petranker said he was at the playground with his daughter, Zoe, when they encountered a man sitting on a park bench with his dog. Petranker said the owner assured him the dog was safe around children.

At first, Zoe petted the dog and walked away. But when she came back and tried to circle around the animal, Petranker said the dog lunged.

“Circled to go around the dog, and he lunged at the right side of her face,” Petranker said.

Petranker said he was able to pull his daughter away. She was rushed to Holtz Children’s Hospital in Miami.

“Lacerated lip, lacerated cheekbone, it almost took her eye out from the corner,” Petranker said. “She has close to 40 stitches on her face.”

Zoe is expected to see a plastic surgeon next week, and her father said it’s unclear how long her recovery will take.

The family has hired a lawyer.

Signs posted at the park state that dogs are not allowed. The City of Miami Beach website says dogs are prohibited in public parks, except at designated dog parks.

Petranker said he wants other parents to be vigilant.

“The last thing we expect is to be at a park and something like this to happen,” he said.

In a separate incident Friday afternoon, Broward Animal Care confirmed a family dog that attacked a 1-year-old boy in Hallandale Beach was humanely euthanized at the request of the child’s father.

Officials said the boy is now in stable condition. His father told authorities the dog had never shown signs of aggressiveness before.

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