GREENVILLE - The incident occurred Saturday evening after officers responded to a report of a vicious dog in the 3000 block of Wellington Street.
A caller advised two pit bull dogs entered her property and killed her Australian Shepherd. She said the two dogs later returned and began to disturb the remains of the deceased dog. Upon arrival, officers were unable to dissuade the pit bulls from the dead Australian Shepherd.
“One officer fired one round from a 12-gauge shotgun striking the dog nearest him. The other pit bull dog fled when the shot was fired,” the statement read.
The owner of the pit bulls was contacted and issued a citation. The person took custody of both the deceased dog and the one that ran away was later located.
The city says the Animal Control Division will conduct a follow-up investigation.
It was not clear if the dogs had been allowed to roam free or got loose. City ordinance prohibits “any person owning or harboring a dog to permit such animal to run at large (See Sec. 4.03.003 -- Dogs running at large)."