Two pit bulls got loose in a Hunterdon County neighborhood Wednesday evening and attacked a horse, leaving it with bloody gashes on its face and legs that will require surgery, authorities said.

Clinton Township police issued the owner of the pit bulls four municipal summonses for dogs running at large and dogs off premises, but because the incident involved an attack on an animal, no additional charges were filed, police Lt. Tom Derosa said.

The family that owns the horse, named Christy, were rattled by the attack and fear that the pit bulls could attack again.

“I don’t know what the right answer is,” said Daren Milne, partial owner of the horse. “I’m an animal lover myself so the last thing I want is for the dogs to put down. Maybe they should send them somewhere where they can’t inflict harm or damage to others, but if it comes down to it, I’m not sure why we should have to live in fear of what those dogs are going to do."

Milne co-owns the horse with his ex-wife, who lives at the Clinton Township home with the couple’s two children ages 12 and 8.

Derosa said police were called at 5:54 p.m. Wednesday about the attack.

A neighbor told Milne that once police arrived, the dogs turned on the officer and animal control had to be called. Milne said the neighbors who own the pit bulls have been apologetic. He estimated the veterinary bills in the thousands already.

Derosa said police are still completing their investigation, but would follow up with the owners of the pit bulls about keeping the dogs safe.

Taylor Tiamoyo Harris may be reached at tharris@njadvancemedia.com. Find NJ.com on Facebook.

Have a tip? Tell us. nj.com/tips

Get the latest updates right in your inbox. Subscribe to NJ.com’s newsletters.