WEST VALLEY CITY — It didn't take long for a police officer here to figure out what two people were fighting about Wednesday.

About 9 p.m., the officer was called to a fight between two people near 2300 South and 1400 West. The officer didn't know it at the time, but one resident was upset with the other for not doing more to prevent his dog from running free in the neighborhood, said West Valley Police Capt. Tom McLachlan.

The reason for their fight became apparent quickly, however, as the officer got a not-so-warm welcome by the dog in question. As soon as he stepped out of his patrol car, a large pit bull charged at him, McLachlan said.

The officer had to pepper spray the animal three times before it finally retreated. Animal control was called and took possession of the dog, McLachlan said.