SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) — A small dog is dead and its owner is injured after being attacked by four pit bulls in a northeast Sioux Falls neighborhood.

On Sunday morning, Sioux Falls Animal Control was called to East Russell Street and North Chicago Avenue.

“When we arrived on scene, there was four pit bulls that were running loose and had attacked a small dog and the owner. We were able to confine the pit bulls and safely lodge them at the Sioux Falls Humane Society,” Beckman said.

Animal Control supervisor Patty Beckman says the dogs had jumped over a chain link fence.

“The owner of the pit bulls did receive four citations for running at large, and that is a citation for the animal being off property,” Beckman said.

To prevent a dog attack like the one we saw on Sunday, you can take preventative measures to protect you and your dog.”

“If I’m in a neighborhood I don’t know, that would make a difference because dogs could come up to you that you don’t know, and you don’t know what they’re going to do. So I handle it very fragilely when I come across a dog,” dog owner Ann Thompson said.

“People can carry pepper spray or tasers when they’re on a walk, and if they do get attacked by a dog, they can use the pepper spray or tasers to defend themselves,” Beckman said.

The owner of the pit bulls can either pay a fine for the citations or contest it in court.