WESTMINSTER, Colo. -- Westminster police officers were forced to shoot two marauding pit bulls Monday afternoon after they chased several people and attacked a cat.

An animal control officer was sent to the 4800 block of West 69th Avenue at about 12:26 p.m., to investigate two aggressive pit bulls running at large in the neighborhood.

When the officer arrived, he spotted the two pit bulls and an elderly woman walking in the area. When the officer approached the dogs, they started to chase the woman and the officer. The two made it to the animal control truck and called for emergency assistance.

The animal control officer followed the two pit bulls in his truck and saw the dogs attack a cat in the 5100 block of West 69th Avenue. The cat's owner attempted to rescue the pet and the dogs turned on her, according to the animal control officer.

Police cornered the dogs and they attacked, forcing the officer to first use a stun gun and then shoot them. One dog died at the scene and the other was taken to a local veterinary hospital for treatment of his wounds.

The owner of the pit bulls, Jackie Ayala, 20, was served a summons for two counts of unlawful ownership of a dangerous dog. His first court appearance is set for April 8.

Discuss: Are Pit Bulls Getting Bad Rap?