Police: Phoenix woman shot dogs to break up fight

Police said a Phoenix woman is facing animal-cruelty charges after she allegedly shot two dogs to break up a fight, according to court documents.

Katie Elaine Pallante told police that a fight broke out Saturday afternoon between a male and a female pit bull she was taking care of in her backyard near 28th Street and Grovers Avenue, according to court records. Pallante, who was caring for 22 dogs and three cats at the time, told police that she tried to separate the dogs using water, but that the dogs would not let go of each other.

Pallante, 26, told police that she then grabbed a .40-caliber handgun and shot the male dog in the abdomen in order to get him to stop attacking the female dog, but she did not want to kill him, according to court records. The female then started attacking the male, and Pallante said she was forced to shoot her as well, according to a police report.

Police said employees with the Humane Society took custody of both injured dogs.

The female pit bull is expected to survive, but the male pit bull was shot in the spine and officials are unsure whether he will make it, according to a police report.

Pallante was arrested and is now facing one count each of animal cruelty and discharging a firearm within city limits.

Pallante was released under the supervision of pre-trial services and is scheduled to appear on June 22, according to court records.