Pittsburgh Police from Zone 1 were dispatched to the intersection of Viola Street and Catoctin Street for a report of two dogs fighting, just after 4:30 p.m.

When responding officers arrived on scene they found a poodle covered in blood in the care of its female owner and another dog, a pit bull, which had been stabbed by its male owner.

The pit bull appeared to be wounded, but it got up and charged at one of the officers, at which time the officer discharged his gun, striking and killing the dog. No civilians or officers were injured by gunfire.

The owner of the poodle rushed her dog to the veterinarian, but later told police the pit bull was not on a leash when it attacked her dog. The owner of the pit bull told police he stabbed and pepper sprayed his dog multiple times to get it to release the poodle. 

Charges may be pending against the pit bull's owner related to the dog being off leash. The investigation continues.