The Hawaiian Humane Society issued a dangerous dog citation this week to the owner of a dog that attacked a young Aina Haina girl in her neighborhood.

The dog pulled free from his chain and bit the girl Feb. 21 on West Hind Drive, the Hawaiian Humane Society said.

“It was a serious bite requiring surgery,” said Humane Society spokeswoman Jacque Vaughn.

The family declined to discuss the incident. But the father of a 6-year-old boy who lives in the neighborhood said he has warned other parents. The man, who declined to provide his name, said the girl was riding her bike with her mother walking alongside when the attack occurred.

Police initially responded and the case was referred to the Humane Society. Vaughn said the dog owner must go before a judge to answer the citation, issued Wednesday, for failure to control a dangerous dog.

Conviction for a first offense is a petty misdemeanor. The maximum penalty is a $2,000 fine and 30 days in jail. A subsequent offense is a misdemeanor.

According to city ordinance, a dog owner may be issued a citation and the dog may be seized and impounded if it poses an imminent threat to people or animals.