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SASKATOON – Saskatoon police were forced to pull their weapons in a residential neighbourhood on Friday and shoot a dog dead.

Around noon, officers were called to 20th Street West to respond to an animal attack.

A 59-year-old man, who is believed to be a letter carrier, was set upon by two dogs in the street.

Two pedestrians rushed to safety in a nearby car and called for help.

When police arrived the dogs continued acting aggressively and then turned on them.

Police say they had no choice but to stop the animals, shooting one of the dogs.

“We had emergency personnel who were trying to do their jobs in attending to the injured male and they were being threatened, so it was a very unfortunate situation in that the officer had to draw his weapon and use it,” said police spokesperson, Alyson Edwards.

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The second dog escaped, running off towards WP Bate Community School.

The school was notified and children were ordered inside until the dog was caught around 20 minutes later with the help of Saskatoon Animal Control Agency and the owner.

“Certainly we had cause for concern because the officers on scene witnessed their behaviour,” said Ms. Edwards.

The 59-year-old man was taken to St. Paul’s Hospital suffering from bite wounds. His injuries are not life-threatening.

Police are not saying what breed the dogs are but describe them only as a large breed.

The surviving animal is now in the hands of animal control.

A police internal review will now be conducted as is done every time a firearm is discharged. An investigation will also be carried out to determine if the owner will face prosecution under the dangerous animals bylaw.