UPDATE 6:30 p.m.

Pesi Silva said today that his son, who was bit on the face by a dog Sunday, was in good spirits, but would miss a couple days of school because of his injuries. He said the doctor referred him to a plastic surgeon to prevent a large scar from forming on the bridge of his son’s nose.

He said his son, Golden, asked him not to hurt the dog for what it did, but Silva said it was not up to him. Since the incident, more people have told him they were bit by the same dog, he said.

Police cited the owner Sunday for an alleged dangerous dog. If convicted, the offense is punishable by a fine of up to $2,000 and up to 30 days in jail.

Suzy Tam, spokeswoman for the Hawaiian Humane Society, said the society was requesting a copy of the police report.

She said after a dog attack, police will determine whether the canine can be kept safely with its owner or whether the Humane Society has to take it into custody for the public’s safety. Police do not need to make that determination at the time the citation is issued.

She said a judge will determine whether the dog must be put down.

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A dog with a history of biting people and animals bit a boy, 6, on the face Sunday at a playground in Kalihi, the boy’s father said.

Pesi Silva said the dog is a small to medium-size terrier-mix that was unleashed.

The incident occurred at about 3:45 p.m. at Kauluwela Community Park off Liliha Street, where Silva’s family was celebrating a birthday party.

Police responded to the scene and opened a dangerous dog investigation. An officer said the dog’s owner was issued a criminal citation and that the case would be forwarded to the Hawaiian Humane Society.

Silva and his family live next to the park in Kauluwela II apartments, where the dog owner also resides.

Silva said his son, Golden, was on the other side of a comfort station when he was bitten, and other people told him his son was injured.

His son had “a lot of blood” coming out of the wounds on his face and covering his shirt, he said. He thought his son’s right eye was damaged until he washed him off and saw he had an gash to the bridge of his nose, an abrasion near his right eye, a cut to his lip and a wound on his tongue.

“He’s doing OK,” he said, but added that he was likely traumatized by the incident. The family took Golden to the hospital to get checked by a doctor.

Silva said that before the dog attack, the dog’s owner warned his son to be careful because the animal, which usually stayed indoors, might bite him.

Silva said he was not upset, but wanted something done so the dog doesn’t bite another person.

The family that owns the dog declined to comment.

Jennie Lorenzana said her Chihuahua was bitten by the same dog months ago, leaving her dog fearful of venturing outside. She said the dog was unleashed and chased her dog in the park. She had to get her dog treated for the puncture wound.