Two dogs were killed Friday evening, after a total of five escaped their back yard in the Northwood Pines neighborhood of Gainesville, according to police. All were American Staffordshire Terriers, a breed of pit bull.

Neighbors told TV20 News the animals escaped through a hole in the fence.

"We have videos and pictures and evidence galore of them trying to break through this fence," said neighbor Wayne Carney. "Finally last night there was a moment where me and my wife were not on the back porch and I saw one of the dogs was successfully able to breach underneath the fence and get into the back yard."

When Carney opened his back door to check on the dogs, his small dog, named Penny, slipped out and was attacked.

"My neighbor, thank God for him with the bat. He was hitting the dogs trying to get them to let go. I was punching down and prying trying to get the dogs to let go," Carney said.

Carney said there was a brief moment when the dogs let go of Penny and he was able to run inside. He rushed Penny to an animal hospital where she survived.

Meanwhile, neighbors said they were expecting something like this

"We've reported this to police, to animal control. We can't speak for the neighbors but we are aware there have been other complaints," said Virginia Brissette Hirshik.

After the attack, two of the five dogs ran up the street where they attacked a woman and her son. Neighbors were able to hold the dogs down until police arrived.

One of the dogs died, by accident, when it was pinned down by a neighbor. The other was shot and killed by police, who deemed the dog a danger.

The dogs' owner told TV20 he accepts full responsibility for his dogs' actions. He repeatedly expressed remorse.

The remaining three dogs were handed over to Alachua County Animal Services. It's unclear if charges will be filed or if the dogs will be put down.