LAMAR, COLO. -- A Lamar Animal Control officer said he shot a dog to protect himself and others from being attacked Friday morning.

Around 10:30 a.m., Lamar Police officers went to arrest a man in the 100 block of East Hickory Street for four felony counts and four misdemeanor counts. The suspect, Ricky Harris, was arrested right away.

Harris had three large dogs inside the building. Animal Control officers tried to take the dogs back to the shelter to be cared for until Harris' release when one of the dogs began attacking them. An officer then shot the dog.

The dog was taken to a veterinary clinic, given a shot of penicillin and released back to Animal Control. Officers said the bullet didn't hit any vitals, and the dog was in no danger.