ROXBURY (WHDH) – Boston police opened fire Wednesday on a pit bull after the dog attacked a woman in Roxbury.

Police said they were investigating a shooting on Eustis Street at around 4 p.m. when they saw a dog break free from the woman walking it and start mauling another woman. In an effort to prevent the pit bull from further injuring the victim, police said an officer shot the dog.

“The officer had to grab him and do what he had to do because he could have killed somebody,” said the victim.

The victim was taken to an area hospital with non-life-threatening injuries to her arm and hand. She has since been treated and released.

“It’s not a bad dog,” the victim told 7News. “That dog has been abused.”

Animal control was called to the scene and the dog is expected to be OK.

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