A dog in Lyle has been declared potentially dangerous after it attacked a pony at the 51100 block of 130th Street.

Mower County Chief Deputy Mark May said sheriff’s deputies responded to an animal call shortly after 4 a.m. Monday. The property owner told police he awoke to dogs barking and feared for his pony, which was pent up outside. He found two dogs attacking the pony and killed one of them, a pit bull, with a shotgun. The other, a german shepherd, fled to a nearby home.

The pony suffered lacerations on its legs and lower part of its body and went into shock from heavy bleeding. The Austin Vet Clinic successfully treated the pony, however.

Deputies found the german shepherd owner’s home shortly thereafter and took photos of the dog, which approached the squad car in a menacing manner, according to May. The dog’s owner was given notice of a potentially dangerous dog. May said the dog’s owner also offered to pay the pony’s medical expenses.

May said the dog’s potentially dangerous designation could mean it needs to be tracked, but another incident would likely mean the dog is labeled dangerous, which could mean a micro chip and insurance for the dog.