A man shot a pit bull in the face after he claimed the dog entered his yard and began attacking his dogs on Thursday afternoon, according to the St. Joseph Police Department.

The incident happened just before 5:30 p.m. in the 3100 block of Lafayette Street, Capt. Carol Cummings said.

The man told police his neighbor’s pit bull entered his backyard and began attacking his dogs. He said the pit bull was preparing to attack him next when he shot it, Ms. Cummings said.

The owner of the pit bull said his dog had not left his yard when it was shot.

The pit bull was taken to a veterinarian, where its condition was unknown late Thursday. Police are continuing their investigation.