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A police dog was put down in Columbus, Ohio after it was shot by a K9 Unit officer who was attacked by the animal, the Columbus Division of Police said.

Officer Brian Carter was training with his K9 partner Benzi, a three-and-a-half-year-old Belgian Malinois, when the dog attacked him, police said in a statement. Carter fired upon the dog after sustaining serious bites to his arms.

The officer was taken to hospital in stable condition and underwent surgery, while the dog was transported to a veterinary facility and euthanized.

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Police said Carter has been a member of the police department’s K9 unit since 2008, while Benzi had been in service for two years.

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“Benzi was more than Officer Carter’s K9 partner. He was a member of the Carter family. They are all in our healing prayers during this difficult time,” the police department tweeted.

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Columbus K9 Unit supervisor Sgt. Mark Cartwright said this was the first time a Columbus Police K9 officer has shot his four-legged partner.

An investigation is underway.

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