Police say a man was forced to fatally shoot his own dog Sunday afternoon because he feared his pet was about to attack three kids in Hamden.

Authorities say the pit bull was not on its leash when it attacked another dog at a local park.

They say the owner of the aggressive dog opened fire when he thought it may go after three children who were with the dog that had been attacked.

News 12 has been told that the man was licensed to carry the gun.