CALGARY — Bylaw officials in Cochrane, Alta., have euthanized the dog responsible for tearing into a seven-year-old boy's face.

Tyler LeClaire had surgery to re-attach a portion of his cheek after the female pitbull-cross lunged at him Jan. 12.

The owner surrendered the dog, which euthanized this week.

Sgt. Charlene Ruttle shot down suggestions the town just west of Calgary might consider a ban on pitbulls. "Our revised animal bylaw increases our options for dealing effectively with incidents arising from vicious animals," she said.

"In Cochrane, we emphasize the importance of responsible pet ownership based on good education and training. The general trend across Canada is towards education and away from outright bans of particular breeds."

LeClaire underwent emergency surgery after the two-year-old dog, owned by his sister's boyfriend, attacked.

The Grade 2 student is now out of Alberta Children's Hospital and recovering.

The dog's owner was issued a $450 fine under provincial animal bylaws.