OGDEN, Utah - Officers said they shot the dog in self-defense but the pit bull's owners have a different story.
Police were called to do a welfare check at a home near 26th St. and 800 E. at about 1 a.m. Wednesday.
Police said when the officer passed through the gate at the front of the home, a person in the yard got into an argument with the lawman.
Officials said at one point, that person allegedly commanded the 11-year-old dog to attack the officer.
Ogden Police Lt. Will Cragun said, "Obviously the officer felt threatened and the distance between where the dog and the officer were there wasn't really enough time for the officer to retreat or do anything other than to defend himself."
But the homeowner has a different story.
"My dog is a good dog, never hurt anybody," dog owner Guemaro Sustiata said. "Like I said, we had her for seven years, never bit anybody, was good around my grandkids."
Sustiata said his son-in-law was the person in the yard and he never would have told the dog to attack anyone.
Authorities said the owner's wife was taken to the hospital for a possible heart attack after police shot the dog.
The family said it is going to file a lawsuit against the Ogden Police Department after officers shot the family pet.
