PHOENIX -- Two pit bulls attacked a 73-year-old woman and her small dog Wednesday morning.
Phoenix police Detective James Holmes said the woman was walking her 11-year-old dog, Rusty, in her apartment complex parking lot near Cave Creek and Mountain View roads at approximately 8:30 a.m.
Holmes said two loose pit bulls attacked the mixed-breed dog and the woman was bitten and knocked to the ground when she tried to intervene.
An apartment complex employee and other bystanders used various objects to chase the pit pulls away from the victim.
The dogs' owner told police that they had broken the 6-foot wooden fence to the back yard of the home and had escaped over the 3-foot wrought-iron fence to the front.
Rabies Animal Control confiscated both dogs and they will be detained for at least three days.
Holmes said the victim was transported to a local hospital where she was treated for puncture wounds to her left hand and forearm.
Rusty was taken to the Arizona Humane Society for treatment. He suffered bite wounds and muscle damage to his neck and left front leg.
AHS veterinarian Kathleen Croteau said Rusty made it through surgery and the staff is hoping that he's going to continue to recover well throughout the next few days.
At this time, it is unknown if the dogs' owner will be cited. The investigation is continuing.
