HAMPTON, Va. (WAVY) — A person is facing several charges after two dogs attacked and killed another dog Sunday afternoon in Hampton.

Hampton Police Department’s Public Information Officer, Cpl. Shaun Stalnaker, told 10 On Your Side Wednesday morning the owner of the dogs that allegedly attacked another dog in Hampton has been charged with two counts of dog at large while attacking and two counts of dangerous dog.

Hampton’s Animal Control Manager said the two dogs are now with animal control.

Hampton’s animal response team led the dog attack investigation after the attack that took place just before noon.

“I come out and they were killing him and I couldn’t stop it, they tore him all apart,” Monica Sturgeon said.

That’s what she and Lawrence Sturgeon remember from that violent dog attack.

“My sidewalk was full of blood and it was horrifying,” she said.

Long Green Lane residents say loose dogs have become a big problem.

“It’s awful what happened to Levi,” said neighbor Penny Williams.

According to Monica Sturgeon, two pit bulls attacked and killed their beloved dog Levi, then one of the pit bulls attacked her. Her husband then discharged a firearm in the ground, scaring the animals off. That’s when police were called.

According to Hampton Police Cpl. Shaun Stalnaker, Hampton Police did respond to the attack, but said animal control are ultimately the ones handling the case at this point. The couple’s son said both agencies should investigate.

“As for the dog attacking and killing their dog and the dog being in their house that was not something HPD, handled that was up to animal control,” the couple’s son Kenneth Sturgeon said.

The family wants the dogs’ owner to be held responsible and for police and animal control to work together to ensure that happens,

“The policy should be changed this could’ve very well been your parents, your daughter or your dog,” Kenneth Sturgeon said.

Other neighbors feel the same way.

“I hope animal control comes out here a lot more because there’s kids and teenagers, and it’s just awful,” Williams said.

As for Levi, his family will remember him for the gentle and loving pup he was as they seek justice.

“Levi, God bless him,” Kenneth Sturgeon said. “The little fella died a hero because he died, in my eyes, protecting his mom and dad.”

The Sturgeons say they have a court date regarding the incident at 9:30 a.m. Oct. 4.

Due to this being an active investigation, Hampton Animal Control has chosen not to comment at this time.