'RHOBH' star Kim Richards’ pitbull attacks niece

Sisters and cast members of Bravo's new reality series "The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills" Kyle Richards (L) and Kim Richards pose at the premiere party in Los Angeles October 11, 2010. (Reuters)

“Real Housewives of Beverly Hills” star Kyle Richards' 18-year-old daughter was brutally attacked by a pitbull owned by Kyle’s sister, Kim Richards, and Kim is now deciding what the “next step” is for her beloved dog.

Kyle’s second-oldest child, Alexia Umansky, underwent two surgeries after the pooch bit her several times Saturday, TMZ reports. The worst damage was done to her right hand: The dog bit through her thumb, down to the bone.

The pitbull, Kingsley, went after Umansky out of nowhere while the family was spending time at Kim’s Los Angeles-area home, according to the website.

Regarding the dog’s future, Kim told Page Six in a statement: “At this point I am looking at options to what the next step is for Kingsley. As many of you can relate, he is my best friend.  This is a very difficult decision and time for all of us, but the safety of my family always comes first.”

Click here for more on this report from the New York Post.