A man fatally shot his dog Thursday at Christopher Morley...

A man fatally shot his dog Thursday at Christopher Morley Park in Roslyn Heights after the canine "began to viciously attack him," police said. Credit: Howard Schnapp

A man fatally shot his dog Thursday in a Roslyn Heights park after the canine attacked his owner, Nassau County Police said.

The dog, which was off his leash at 2:35 p.m. at Christopher Morley Park, "turned on his owner and began to viciously attack him," police said in a news release.

"Fearing for his life," police said, the 43-year-old man fired a single shot, which killed the dog.

The man was taken to a hospital for treatment of lacerations to his left arm and left leg, police said.

His name and hometown were not immediately released. The type of gun he used was also not immediately released late Thursday but police said he had a licensed pistol permit.

Police said an investigation is ongoing.

Rock climbing? Indoor beach volleyball? Water parks? Arts and crafts? NewsdayTV's Elisa DiStefano and Newsday deputy lifestyle editor Meghan Giannotta have your look at ways to spend your winter break. Credit: Newsday/Howard Schnapp, Kendall Rodriguez; Gary Licker

Things to do now on LI Rock climbing? Indoor beach volleyball? Water parks? Arts and crafts? NewsdayTV's Elisa DiStefano and Newsday deputy lifestyle editor Meghan Giannotta have your look at ways to spend your winter break.

Rock climbing? Indoor beach volleyball? Water parks? Arts and crafts? NewsdayTV's Elisa DiStefano and Newsday deputy lifestyle editor Meghan Giannotta have your look at ways to spend your winter break. Credit: Newsday/Howard Schnapp, Kendall Rodriguez; Gary Licker

Things to do now on LI Rock climbing? Indoor beach volleyball? Water parks? Arts and crafts? NewsdayTV's Elisa DiStefano and Newsday deputy lifestyle editor Meghan Giannotta have your look at ways to spend your winter break.

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