FITCHBURG, Mass. (WHDH) -- A mother and daughter were attacked by a pit bull in Fitchburg on Friday.

The frantic 911 call came in just past 3 Friday afternoon. Police say a 3-year-old girl and her mother were attacked by a pit bull inside a Fitchburg home.

Fortunately, the toddler was not severely injured.

“But the mother’s injuries were more severe on the left forearm,” said Sgt. Glenn Fossa, Fitchburg Police Department.

Both were taken to a Worcester hospital and are expected to survive.

Police say a neighbor tried to stop the dog from attacking the two by using a knife. Animal Control took control of the 4-year-old pit bull and police say it was later euthanized.

Police believe its owner is currently sitting in jail.

“At this point it doesn’t look like the dog was being monitored or supervised,” said Sgt. Fossa.

Fitchburg has a city-wide leash law on dogs.

Police think someone inside the apartment complex was watching after the pit bull, but investigators say it’s still too early to determine whether any charges will be filed.

“In this particular case where the owner is not known to be around, I don’t believe anybody was within voice command,” Sgt. Fossa said.

Neighbors say the breed of dog has an unfair reputation -- it's clear many in the area own pit bulls. A home nearby has a sign calling them "girl's best friend."

“I still like them. There's nothing wrong with pit bulls,” a neighbor said.

According to investigators, the two victims live at the multi-family home where they were attacked.