UPDATE: A press release from Loudoun County Animal Control this afternoon announced that the identity of the dogs has been confirmed by the bite victims. The dogs have been impounded at the Loudoun County Animal Shelter and an Aug. 27 hearing in General District Court will determine whether or not they should be labeled "dangerous ".

Two dogs that were running loose yesterday in Sterling and were responsible for two separate biting incidents have been located and quarantined, said Kim Miller, chief animal control officer with Loudoun County Animal Control.

Officers canvassed the area of Lost Trail Terrace and the WO&D Trail in Sterling yesterday evening where the attacks took place. The two canines were described by the victims as medium-to-large Pit Bull/Mastiff-type dogs. The dogs were not wearing collars and were last seen running toward the Trailside subdivision.

Miller said an animal that matched the dogs' description was spotted on the rear deck of a house on Great Trail Terrace in Sterling. Upon further investigation, animal control officers found that the wanted dogs were living at this home.

The two dogs, a Pit Bull and a Pit Bull mix, have been detained and dangerous dog charges are pending.

When a dog bites a human, said Miller, state law dictates that a dangerous dog investigation and hearing must take place. If a local court labels an animal as dangerous, the dog must be registered with the state as such, and the owner may be ordered to keep the dog muzzled and/or indoors.