A Tampa Police officer killed a dog Monday morning and seriously injured another after the dogs attacked a poodle being walked by its owner.

  • 2 dogs attack, maul poodle to death
  • Police officer shoots attacking dogs, killing 1
  • Animal control investigating dogs, owners 

According to police, the owner was walking his dog just before 6 a.m. in the 4500 block of north 37th Street when two dogs escaped from a nearby home and attacked the poodle. 

The attacking pit bulls mauled the poodle to death by the time officers arrived.

When the attacking dogs turned on an officer, he fired multiple shots at the dogs, authorities said. The officer was not injured. 

Police said the attacking dogs had recently had a litter of puppies. 

The owner of the poodle was not injured. 

Tampa Police is investigating the use of deadly force by the officer. The other aspects of the case are being investigated by Hillsborough County Animal Control.