Two pit bulls were shot after mauling a cat.

New Castle police were called at 9:53 a.m. Monday to the 500 block of Wildwood Avenue, where the dogs were attacking a cat in the middle of the road.

When an officer attempted to break up the fight, the dogs ’ one, a white-and-brown pit bull and the other, a brindle pit bull ’ became more aggressive. The officer shot and killed the white-and-brown pit bull in compliance with the city’s nuisance dog ordinance. The brindle pit bull was shot in its right rear shoulder. It ran into a backyard pen, which had a large hole in it, at 520 Wildwood Ave.

The cat died from the mauling.

The brindle pit bull is owned by Charles Barnhart of 520 Wildwood Ave. His girlfriend, Joann Roesch of 520 Wildwood Ave., owned the white-and-brown pit bull and cat.

Barnhart placed the brindle and another pit bull in his home so they would not get out again.

Barnhart and Roesch are each charged with dogs at large violations and killing/injuring a domestic animal.

According to the police report, this was the fourth call on the pit bulls since Nov. 9.