Wiscasset police are investigating an attack by pit bulls Wednesday night that left a small dog badly injured and wounded a woman who tried to intervene.

Two pit bulls escaped a fenced-in yard on Ward Brook Road and attacked a small dog that was outside with its owner at a neighboring house, according to Wiscasset Police Chief Jeff Lange. When a neighbor tried to stop the attack, she was bitten by one of the pit bulls, Lange said. The woman was transported to the hospital and the injured dog to a veterinary office. The dog survived the attack but was badly injured, Lange said.

The dogs are currently locked up at their owner’s home and the case is being investigated by the animal control officer, Lange added.

The case is a civil matter but could result in criminal charges, Lange said.