An 8-year-old Utah girl received 27 stitches after she was bitten in the face by her family's pitbull for “at least the second time,” and the child's mother is facing child-abuse charges.

A 26-year-old Springville woman was charged in Fourth District Court with child abuse, a third-degree felony; and possession of a vicious animal, a class B misdemeanor.

According to court documents, the victim was bitten on June 13 and taken to a hospital, where she received 27 stitches on her cheek, chin and around her eyes. The injuries scarred the child's face and causes “possible permanent damage” to her tear ducts.

The animal belongs to the victim’s mother, who “insists on bringing the dog back into the family home,” according to police, even though the pitbull bit the girl in the face at least one other time and also has bitten other children.