Man attacked by his dog in Roslyn Heights park shoots, kills canine, cops say

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.