The New Westminister Police Department will be conducting an independent investigation into a RCMP police dog's mauling of a 16-year-old boy from Surrey, B.C.

The 16-year-old, whose identity is protected by law, was chased by an RCMP canine unit after allegedly breaking into a convenience store last weekend and stealing several energy drinks.

The dog caught up to the suspect and he received serious facial injuries.

A request for the independent probe was made by the RCMP.

RCMP Chief Superintendent Janice Armstrong said the dog handler has been placed on administrative duties and the dog has been removed from duty during the investigation.

"When questions arise about the use of police dogs we need to address them quickly to ensure that their usage conforms to policy and is not excessive given the circumstances," Armstrong told reporters.

The 16-year-old's parents are considering a lawsuit against the RCMP. They said they could barely recognize him after the mauling.

"I was surprised they could stitch it up -- there was hardly any skin there," the teen's mother told CTV News.

Neither of the teen's parents can be identified.

"My kid is going to be scarred for life," the teen's father said. "It almost took his eye out."

The parents want police dogs to be trained differently and hope the new investigation provides answers into what occurred.

"There's been a hundred people who have texted us or been on the computer saying: ‘Sorry.' Everybody is mad. Everybody is upset with the RCMP," the mother said.

"I want to see the dogs trained to go after the arms and legs."

The 16-year-old has been charged with break-and-enter and possession of stolen property.