A 61-year-old woman was hospitalized Monday after being attacked by a dog while she was taking a walk in her neighborhood east of Hemet.

The attacked happened around 6:45 p.m. in the 25500 block of Minorca Street in the unincorporated Riverside County community of Valle Vista, according to John Welsh of the Riverside County Department of Animal Services.

The dog was identified as a 1-year-old neutered male pit bull.

The animal managed to break free of its tether and escaped its yard before attacking the woman, according to a witness.

The woman suffered a severe wound to her head, as well as injuries to her arms and stomach, Welsh said.

She was transported to a hospital in unknown condition.

The dog was transported to the San Jacinto Valley Animal Campus.

His owner signed the dog over to be euthanized, Welsh said.