Local officials are looking for a white pit bull that escaped overnight from the dog pound after biting the facial area of a three-year-old child.

The child was at a friend's Deadfall Road, Silverstreet, house when she was bit by the dog under the left eye and on her neck. The child was taken to the emergency room for treatment.

The owner of the dog asked for animal control to pick up the dog immediately after the bite.

According to Newberry County Public Works Director Kyle Nash the dog has had rabies shot but officials are not sure how recent they were.

Overnight the pit bull escaped from the pound by climbing fences.

Animal control has placed traps in the area around the pound trying to catch the white pit bull.

Officers are asking anyone coming in contact with the dog to call 321-2222 and to be cautious of the animal.

Nash adds that the dog is approachable but has a talent for getting out of fences.

The Department of Health and Environmental Control may require the little girl go through a series of rabies shots if the dog is not found.