A pit bull was shot dead after it attacked two Delta police officers late Saturday night.

Two officers and their police dog were patrolling along the Fraser River just before 11 p.m. near the 700 block of Chester Road on Annacis Island when they were attacked by two pit bulls.

The first officer hit one of the pit bulls over the head with his baton, which caused the dog to flee, but the other pit bull bit the second officer’s hand before attacking the police dog.

After several attempts to fend off the attacking dog, the officer fired a single shot, killing the dog and ending the attack.

According to a media release from the Delta police, it is not known if the pit bulls were intentionally released to attack the officers.

While the officers were securing the scene to investigate the intention behind the attack, the dog’s owner and a second person arrived on scene and were arrested after what police alleged were attempts to obstruct the investigation.

The two suspects have since been released and charges for obstructing a police officer are being considered, according to the media release.

The officer bitten by the pit bull required multiple stitches in his hand and his canine companion is being treated for puncture wounds to its head, ear and eye.