A rural Anna family destroyed a family dog described as a pit bull terrier after it attacked the family's 7-year-old girl and severely bit her face.

According to information released by the Union County Sheriff's Department, the attack happened Sunday. The girl was playing in the house when the dog bit her on the left cheek. The family had owned the adult dog only a few days.

Authorities were evidently unable to test the dog for rabies. A test for rabies requires a test of brain tissue. In this case, apparently there was not enough intact tissue to test.

Further information about the girl's condition was not available.