Newport News Police say a loose pit bull was killed by an officer on Friday morning after the animal charged toward officers as they approached.
Police say they responded to a call of loose dogs attacking a cat in the 1100 block of 73rd Street around 7:00 a.m.
Two officers arrived and the owner of the cat informed them that two pit bulls had jumped his fence and attacked the cat.
The dogs were in the yard next door and as officers approached, one of the dogs charged toward them. Officers then shot the dog, killing it.
The second dog ran and was later located by a citizen on 73rd Street. It was then taken by Animal Control officers.
The cat owner took his cat to the animal hospital, but it did not survive.
The owner of the pit bulls has not been located. The pit bulls were not wearing collars.
In any incident where an officer discharges a weapon the incident is investigated by the Office of Professional Standards. The officers involved remain on active duty.
Anyone with knowledge of the owner of the two Pit Bull dogs are asked to call the police non-emergency number at 247-2500.
