COLORADO SPRINGS, COLO. -- The man who fatally shot a bullmastiff that was attacking his greyhound said his only option was to kill the dog.
Robert McCombs' 70-pound greyhound Cooper needed five staples in his neck after the 140-pound dog attacked in the 4800 block of El Camino Drive in Colorado Springs, according to the Gazette.
The bullmastiff's owner, Tammy Martinez, said her dog Flato wasn't dangerous.
McCombs said he heard someone across the street struggling with their dog but didn't turn around until he heard yelling. He said the bullmastiff was running across the street, dragging Martinez.
He said the two dogs fought before the bigger one fastened on the greyhound's neck.
After trying to drag the bull mastiff off the greyhound, McCombs said he kicked him before pulling out a gun and shooting him twice.
McCombs is a registered gun owner with a concealed weapons permit. Police are still investigating but said it appeared he did not break any laws. They have not made any arrests and said he was not a threat to the public.
The Humane Society is investigating whether it's a case of animal cruelty.
The Gazette and the Associated Press contributed to this story
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