The incident took place on Monday, Dec. 24, in the area of Brook Street and Wintergreen Avenue at an "off-leash," dog park, said Hamden Police Capt. Ronald Smith.
According to Smith, Watler Haller, of Hamden, was walking his dog in the park when another Hamden resident, who was accompanied by three children, entered the park with a dog that was on a leash.
Haller's dog, a pit bull, attacked the dog, causing serious injuries, he said.
Haller acknowledged that he thought his dog might attack the three children. That's when he pulled his legally licensed .22-caliber handgun and shot his dog, killing it, Smith said.
The investigation into the shooting is continuing.
Click here to follow Daily Voice Westport and receive free news updates.