FAIRFIELD, Conn. -- A 46-year-old dog owner who shot a pit bull Tuesday night that attacked his pets was justified in taking action against the aggressive animal, Fairfield police said Wednesday.

“It appears that what we have here was clearly a self-defense situation,” Fairfield Sgt. Dan VanDerhayden said.

The pit bull attacked the man's beagle and pekingese dogs while he was taking them for a walk at about 7:50 p.m. Tuesday, March 17, police said.

A caller reported the sounds of screaming and yelling outside his home on Jennings Road, followed by what they believed to be a single gunshot, police said.

Officers who responded found an injured pit bull on Prince Street that had be shot in the back, according to police. The pit bull, owned by a Prince Street resident, got out of its yard after the homeowner forgot to close the gate, police said.

The pit bull was transported to Norwalk VCA by Fairfield Animal Control, but had to be put down by the owner because of the injuries, police said.

The man who shot the pit bull approached an officer at the scene, identified himself as the shooter, and handed over his registered Colt .380 handgun without incident, police said.

“[The shooter] was legally in compliance with all gun laws,” Chief of Police Gary MacNamara said. The owner's gun is registered, and he has a permit to carry it as well, the chief said.

The man's dogs were “clearly observed to have characteristics for having been attacked,” including matted hair consistent with bite marks, MacNamara said.

The pit bull also attacked the man after he attempted to shoo away the aggressive dog by kicking it, police said. The dog then turned its attention toward the man, police said.

Fairfield Police said animal control was still investigating the incident.

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