Bridgeport police say they are justified in shooting a dog that rushed officers Friday night during a domestic violence incident.

Authorities say they were forced to shoot the dog after it attacked officers while they investigated the incident on Dover Street.which involved a man and a woman.

Police say when officers are confronted by a violent animal, they have to make a judgment call in a split second. They say in this case, the officer's actions were justified.

Neighbor Jae Thompson says the dog had a bullet taken out of its head and side, and one is still left inside. Despite the injuries, the dog is home.

Police say both the domestic incident and the shooting remain under investigation. They say officers showed compassion and sensitivity in dealing with the wounded animal after the shooting.