POUGHKEEPSIE, N.Y. (AP) - A 5-year-old Dutchess County boy needed 1,000 stitches and is facing a long recovery after he was attacked by a pit bull.

State Police say the tot was in intensive care at Westchester Medical Center after the Thursday night attack at a home in Myers Corner. He had 80 to 100 cuts on his head and face.

Surgeons finished patching him up late Friday afternoon. Police say the dog's owner was the boy's aunt. She was also mauled when she threw herself on top of the boy to protect him.

Investigators say the attack happened while the family was playing with in the backyard with a ball.

Copyright 2009 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.