An animal control officer is calling for a court order in Plumsted to force residents to muzzle their dogs after a pit bull attacked a young girl earlier this week.

The officer who provides animal control services for the township will ask a judge for a court order mandating that residents with pit bulls muzzle their animals while outside.

The officer says there have been too many incidents involving the dogs in town.

Earlier this week, a 3-year-old was apparently attacked by a dog while she was walking with her mother on Millstream Road.

Four weeks ago, police say another pit bull from that same neighboring house was ordered by a man to viciously attack his girlfriend.

Advocates for the breed say they all shouldn't be punished for the actions of a few. Monmouth County SPCA Police Chief Buddy Amato says, "You shouldn't lump them all into one basket because there are certain pups raised and socialized as pups and there's really no need for those dogs to be muzzled." 3-year-old hospitalized after apparent pit bull attack