— Four pit bulls have been returned to their Johnston County owners, pending a decision by the local Animal Care and Control office, which is weighing what should happen next to the family's pets.

In early April, Jimmy Millard's grandson, Daniel, went next door to watch television at the neighbors' home.

Millard says someone suddenly opened the door, and the neighbors' four pit bulls came rushing in and attacked the boy.

The youngster suffered massive injures to his face and arms and was transported to three different hospitals, his relatives said.

He will have to undergo at least four surgeries to repair the damage he suffered.

"Something must happen to these dogs where they can never, ever harm another person," Millard said Wednesday. "These dogs were unprovoked."

Animal control got involved, and the dogs were gone. But they were returned to their owners in late April.

"We see the dogs on the porch, nobody around," Millard said. "Those are the dogs that tried to kill our grandchild out on the porch."

The owners of the dogs had posted signs on their property, warning of no visitors being allowed. They haven’t responded to requests from WRAL News for comment.

County officials said the dogs were deemed possibly dangerous, but since the owners have appealed that decision, they are allowed to keep the dogs.

That decision doesn't sit well with others who love their pets and their neighborhood.

"I don't feel safe being in the neighborhood, and I've lived here since 2009," Dale McCoy said.

If it is determined in a hearing next week that the dogs are dangerous, the owner may be faced with certain restrictions, like the dogs must wear muzzles when out or be placed in certain cages or kennels.

The hearing is scheduled for next week, and if the county rules that the dogs are dangerous, that classification will bring additional requirements that could include leashes and cages for the dogs.