A Timmins couple and their dogs are recovering from a recent attack by a neighbour's pit bulls.

The dogs have been taken away from the owner following an investigation by authorities.

Serena Levert says her two dogs, Penny and Piper, survived after being attacked twice by two pit bulls in her apartment building, with Piper bearing the brunt of the attacks. She says they are both staying pretty close to her these days.

"When I brought her into the Hard Rock Animal Hospital, they didn't even think she was going to survive at the time because of the damage that she had in her chest. They lost count at 30 internal stitches. She has 19 staples on that outside to close up. She has four stitches in her mouth," said Levert.

She says she and her boyfriend were also hurt in the process of trying to rescue their dogs.

Timmins police were also called to investigate.  Police say the case is now being handled by the Timmins Humane Society.

"The animals, we're told, are now currently under quarantine and those steps that are taken to determine whether or not the animals fall under the ban on pit bulls is still underway," said Marc Depatie, of Timmins Police Service.

Levert says she hasn't been told much about what's happened to the dogs that attacked.

"I don't know if they've been rehomed or if they're still there. I don't know. They will not talk about that, but I know they were taken away last week," said Levert.

Despite knowing the pit bulls are no longer in her apartment building, Levert says the situation has left her fearful.

"I see it in my mind. I have a hard time sleeping because I have to shut my brain down. You know, I did put it on social media because I think people should be aware of what happened and I think laws need to be changed so it doesn't happen again," said Levert.

"Regardless of the breed of the animal, there's strict obligation on the owner of the dog to be responsible, so that the animal doesn't act in a menacing fashion," said Depatie.

He adds, if at any time a person feels threatened by an animal, call police. He says it's their responsibility to respond to help. 

CTV News has reached out to the Timmins Humane Society and the owner of the dogs for comment, but did not get a response.