"On Sunday evening, officer Chuck Bocock responded to a loose animal call in the 1400 block of Fifth Street. McCutcheon said a resident of the neighborhood had gone outside to bring in her cat, and a neighbor's pit bull dog chased the cat under her house and prevented the woman from coming outside.
McCutcheon said when Bocock got out of his car, the dog charged at him.
"He fired three shots, struck the dog with one," McCutcheon said. "Animal control came to the scene and said they had numerous reports of the dog getting out."
According to McCutcheon, officers at the scene reported talking to the dog's owner, who confirmed he has previously had problems with the dog getting out under the fence.
"There wasn't any animosity (between the owner and the officers) as far as I know," McCutcheon said.
Bocock said in his report that he got out of his vehicle and knew he didn't have time to do anything other than fire a shot at the charging dog.
McCutchoen said he believes dangerous dogs are becoming a major issue for law enforcement officers. Their owners range from homeowners seeking a protection for their homes to criminals, such as drug dealers, looking to protect their stash.
Kerrville police also have received calls about possible dangerous dogs, only to respond and find a gentle animal chained up in a yard.
"But a lot of people are not diligent about keeping these animals locked up," he said. "There is a stereotype about these dogs. A lot of national media attention has been on mauling by Rottweilers and Pit Bulls. There is a fear about those breeds of dogs."