Kyle Richards -- I Don't Want Kim's Pit Bull Destroyed

Kyle Richards is an animal lover and a very forgiving woman ... which is why she does NOT want the pit bull put down that viciously attacked her daughter.

As TMZ first reported, Kyle's 18-year-old daughter suffered a slew of injuries -- requiring 2 surgeries -- courtesy of Kim's pit bull, Kingsley.

Kyle has made it CLEAR to friends and family ... destroying Kingsley is not an option. She knows the dog is extremely important to Kim, who is struggling with ongoing addiction problems and really has no one else.

That said ... we're told Kyle thinks it would be a good idea if Kim realized she can't really control the dog and it would be best to give it to someone who has better control over the animal.

Kingsley has been a problem -- he's bitten 4 people ... 3 at Kim's home. He's also aggressive toward other animals.