Two horses ? one of them pregnant ? were savaged by a pit bull on Tuesday, and had to undergo emergency surgery at a veterinary hospital.

Police said they were called to a West Side Road residence in Sandys Parish shortly before 5 p.m. on Tuesday. The owner of the horses, who understands to be David Burrows Sr., said his two horses had been attacked by a dog.

As a result of the attack, the male horse suffered a ripped testicle and injuries to its nose. The female horse, which is expected to give birth next week, suffered severe injuries to her abdomen. Animal welfare officers removed the pit bull from its residence while the horses underwent surgery.

Police spokesperson Dwayne Caines said Police Animal Protection Officers were treating the matter as a very serious case, and said the matter was being investigated. Lance Furbert, executive director at WindReach, said he was ?very concerned? by the incident since it is the second serious attack by dogs in just a few weeks? time.

Last month, two rabbits, two sheep and two goats were found dead at the WindReach Recreational Village, mauled by a pair of dogs.

And although this latest attack occurred at a residence versus a facility, Mr. Furbert said it seemed clear that ?people are not being as careful with their dogs as they should be?.

?The dog wardens are doing an excellent job, so it?s really up to members of the public to make sure their dogs of any type are secured,? said Mr. Furbert.

And he said that once a dog has attacked another animal, it is unlikely to stop ? thus posing a ?continuous danger? to facilities like Windreach.

Mr. Furbert extended his sympathy to Mr. Burrows, who he said has been very helpful at Windreach.

David Burrows Jr., speaking on behalf of his father, said they did not wish to comment or have publicity regarding the attack until, saying it was a ?sensitive issue.?