A Garfield Heights police officer shot a chained-up watchdog that lunged at him as he chased a group of kids through backyards, a police spokesman said.

Police responded to a call to Turney and McCracken roads around 6:30 p.m. today for a complaint about a group of kids throwing water balloons at cars.

When police arrived, the kids ran and the officer chased them.

In one yard, a large watchdog, chained to a back porch, lunged at the officer. The officer shot the dog.

The dog survived and was taken to a pet hospital for treatment.

The officer, who police did not identify, was not hurt.

The police investigation is continuing.