Buchanan City Police are investigating an incident in which a police officer shot and killed a pit bull that killed two small pets in Buchanan Saturday.

According to a release published on the City of Buchanan’s Facebook page written by Police Chief Bill Marx, an on-duty Buchanan City police officer was dispatched to the 300 block of Fulton Street when a complainant reported two pit bulls had entered her yard and mauled her cat.

According to the post, the officer was taking a report describing the pit bulls when the dog was seen running across the street. The complainant identified the dogs as the pit bulls that killed her cat.

Marx’s statement said the officer was attempting to follow the dogs when he heard what sounded like another dog fight and found the two pit bulls attacking a smaller dog that appeared to be tied up.

The officer said the small dog was clearly deceased, and he yelled at the dogs. The larger of the two pit bulls then turned and ran at the officer. The officer believed the dog was attacking him, pulled his service weapon and fired two shots, which struck and killed the dog.

The dog was within five feet of the officer when the officer fired his gun, according to the release.

The other pit bull reportedly ran about 30 feet and laid down next to a car, where it was later secured.

Buchanan Police Chief Bill Marx said county animal control is determining whether or not to pursue criminal charges against the owners of the animals. The county prosecutor would ultimately determine if there is enough evidence to issue a warrant.

The other dog was secured and placed with its owner. Once the investigation is complete, the animal could be deemed a dangerous animal and put down.

Marx encouraged all residents to keep their dogs secured.

The incident remains under investigation and is being investigated by Berrien County Animal Control Unity and the Berrien County Sheriff’s Department.