Santa Rosa toddler bitten by pit bull

A 16-month-old Santa Rosa boy was hospitalized after suffering undisclosed injuries in a pit bull attack, firefighters said Friday.

The attack at a home on Fresno Avenue was reported about 4:50 p.m. Thursday, Santa Rosa Fire Capt. Robert Stratton said. Firefighters found the toddler had been bitten by the family dog after venturing too close to a food bowl, Stratton said.

An adult believed to be a grandparent also was bitten, Stratton said.

The boy was taken to a hospital by ambulance. Stratton would not describe his injuries, citing confidentiality laws.

Animal control officials also would not say how badly the toddler was hurt or release the victim’s name. Brian Whipple, the agency’s interim director, said an investigation was underway and the dog would be placed under rabies quarantine. It remained at the home Friday, Whipple said.

He said animal bites were common regardless of breed. He could not immediately provide statistics on how many people have been bitten by dogs or pit bulls in Sonoma County this year.