The owner of two dogs that attacked a three-year-old boy over the weekend near Hillsboro shot and killed his own two pets after the mauling, authorities said Monday.

The dogs attacked Anthony Jewell until three adults wrestled them away. The dogs also bit the people who intervened.

Jewell was hospitalized in critical condition. By Monday, he was upgraded to serious condition.

Investigators said the attack happened in the Laurael area south of Hillsboro Sunday afternoon.

The dogs had managed to break out of their kennel and a woman was trying to put a leash on one of them when they attacked the child.

Police described the incident as a terrible accident and said they will not file criminal charges against the owner. Authorities also said the dogs do not have a history of violence.

The dogs' bodies will be tested for disease.

Their owner said they were bull mastiff mixes.