BACLIFF — A man was killed Sunday after being attacked by his own dogs in Bacliff, according to the Galveston County Sheriff’s Office.

Deputies responded around 1:42 a.m. to a report of a dog attack in the 400 block of Louisiana Avenue. When they arrived, they found the victim being mauled by two pit bull-type dogs in the yard, officials said.

According to the sheriff’s office, one of the dogs was still latched onto the victim’s arm when deputies arrived. In an effort to stop the attack and protect the victim, a deputy fired his weapon, hitting the dog in the torso. The dog released the victim and retreated.

The victim was taken to HCA Clear Lake Hospital with CPR in progress and later pronounced dead from his injuries. His name has not been released pending notification of next of kin.

Galveston County Animal Control took custody of both dogs. The Sheriff’s Office Major Crimes Unit and Crime Scene Unit are investigating and processing evidence.

In a statement, the sheriff’s office said deputies “never want to harm an animal, but in this case, immediate action was necessary in an attempt to protect the victim’s life.”

According to officials, this was not the first time GCSO has been out to the property, in reference to the dogs.