A Covington infant is recovering after the family dog attacked him Monday afternoon.

The 8-month-old child was bitten on his head, right cheek and back by the family's dog, a 2-year-old Boxer mix. Doctors at Newton Medical Center had to stitch up 11 lacerations on the baby, who was then released to his parents.

Terri Key-Hoosen, director of Newton County Animal Control, said her office is working with the family, which has yet to decide if it will keep the dog. Key-Hoosen said Animal Control does not have a specific policy when a pet attacks a member of a family, but officials will work with the family if they want to bring the dog back into their home.

If they decide not to reclaim the dog, Key-Hoosen said the animal will be declared aggressive and will not be adopted out.