A Saskatoon Police Service investigation into people in a park carrying firearms took a turn towards defending themselves against a large and angry dog.

According to a police news release, officers were called to the 400 block of Avenue T South at about 11:30 a.m. Friday morning. While the S-P-S members were on the scene looking for anyone with firearms, a large dog got away from its owners and charged at the officers – lunging and attempting to bite them.

Several attempts to de-escalate the situation, including the use of a taser, had no effect as the dog continued to act in an aggressive manner. Finally, one of the officers discharged his service weapon, striking and wounding the dog. Animal control attended the scene and transported the dog for veterinary care.

None of the police officers were injured in the incident and they continue to look into the matter of people in the park carrying handguns, although they did not initially witness firearms in the park.