Pleasantville, Iowa [KCCI] — An off-duty deputy acted appropriately when he was forced to shoot an aggressive dog in Pleasantville on Monday, the Marion County Sheriff’s Office says. The sheriff’s office says the deputy and his fiancé were walking their dogs on East Monroe Street when two unleashed dogs “aggressively” ran up to them. The sheriff’s office says the owner of the aggressive dogs tried to restrain them, but was unable to.

Investigators say the dogs began circling the deputy and tried to bite his dogs. Investigators say the off-duty deputy feared for his safety and drew his gun. He allegedly told the owner to control the dogs, or he’d have to shoot, and the owner replied, “You may have to.” The deputy did shoot one of the dogs, a pit bull mix. Both unleashed dogs ran off after the shooting.

The Marion County Sheriff’s Office says the deputy had a legal right to carry his firearm; he gave verbal commands to the owner before firing, and the shooting is justified. No charges have been filed.