A dog attack in Renton led to a resident losing their pet, according to the Renton Police Department.

Around 11:10 a.m. on Saturday May 11, Renton police officers attending an event at the Highlands Community Center were alerted by residents of a dog attacking another dog at the north end of the park, according to a police news release.

The officers immediately responded and found a brown pit bull terrier attacking a shih tzu. In order to stop the attack one officer jumped onto the terrier, placed it into a choke hold and was able to release the smaller dog.

Renton Fire Authority firefighters were also on scene and began medical treatment of the shih tzu but their efforts were unsuccessful. The animal did not survive, the news release states.

The shih tzu was being walked on a leash when it was attacked by the terrier. The terrier had escaped its yard by going under the fence of its nearby residence.

The aggressive dog was uninjured and was impounded by the officers. It is currently being processed under the city’s Dangerous Dog ordinance. The dog’s owners are also facing criminal charges stemming from the attack.

This is the second such attack to happen in Renton in a few weeks. On April 24 another dog was attacked by a pit bull terrier in another neighborhood while it was secured by a leash in the yard, according to the news release. In that case the victim dog survived but required extensive veterinary treatment. The attacking dog in that case has not been recovered and the Renton Police Department continues to investigate.

It is unlawful to knowingly keep a dangerous dog in Renton. The Renton Police Department wants to remind all dog owners it is their responsibility to make sure their dogs are secured. Violations may result in the owner being held criminally responsible, according to the news release.