WATERVILLE, Maine (AP) — A Maine police chief is on a mission to keep dogs known to be aggressive out of homes with children.

Waterville Police Chief Joseph Massey says that putting big dogs that are aggressive by nature in with children is putting the children at risk.

He made the request after a 2-year-old Waterville boy was bitten in the face Sept. 1 by a pit bull. The boy had to undergo surgery. He is at home and recovering. On Aug. 18 the same dog bit a 6-year-old boy.

The dog was euthanized and the owner given a civil ticket.

Massey tells the Morning Sentinel anyone who’s going to consider getting a family pet and who has small children should get a pet suited to the environment.