Dog shot protecting family in East Mount Airy home invasion

EAST MOUNT AIRY (WPVI) -- Police say a family's pet dog was shot during a home invasion in the East Mount Airy section of Philadelphia.

The incident occurred around 11:00 p.m. Sunday on the 6400 block of Belfield Avenue.

The homeowners told police that a masked man entered their home. Their dog attempted to protect them and that's when the suspect shot the 11-year-old pit bull.

The dog died from its wounds.

The suspect then fled the home without taking anything.

The homeowners credit their pet for scaring off the suspect.

The SPCA was on the scene to assist.