A dog has been euthanised after a young girl was hospitalised following an attack at a Bunnings store in regional Victoria.

The girl was bitten by the dog at the store on Smythes Rd in Delacombe, near Ballarat, about 11.10am on Wednesday.

She was rushed to Ballarat Base Hospital with a lower body injury, Ambulance Victoria said. 

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A witness described the incident as “very distressing” in a post to the Bunnings Complaints Facebook group.

They said the girl was sitting in a shopping trolley while her parents were nearby when another customer’s dog suddenly “lunged and latched onto” her leg.

“It was a shocking incident to witness,” the witness wrote.

A Bunnings spokesperson said the retailer’s thoughts were with the girl and her family.

“We understand the child was bitten by a dog and was treated by emergency services before being taken to hospital for further assessment and treatment,” the spokesperson said.

“We will support the relevant authorities with their enquiries.”

The City of Ballarat confirmed the dog was voluntarily surrendered by its owners and euthanised following the incident.

“The dog was voluntarily surrendered by its owners for euthanasia, which took place on Wednesday afternoon,” City of Ballarat Director Development and Growth Natalie Robertson said. 

“The City of Ballarat will conduct a thorough investigation and is unable to comment further while that process is underway.”