Kim Richards -- Removes Pit Bull From House ... Temporarily [VIDEO]

Kim Richards finally played her hand on the fate of her pit bull ... and it sounds like she's trying to keep it.

Kyle Richard's sis was at the Grove Saturday when our photog asked about her dog, which has now bitten 4 people ... most recently Kyle's 18-year-old daughter Alexia.

It takes a little reading between the lines, but it sounds like she's saying she sent the dog to a professional so it won't continue attacking people. That means when the trainer thinks the dog is socialized she'll take it back.

The question ... who would go to Kim's house hoping the dog had turned over a new leaf?

Once bit ...