LONG BEACH (CBS) — Two dogs that attacked their Long Beach owner were shot by police officers, one fatally, authorities said Monday.

The incident occurred shortly before 4 p.m. Sunday while officers were conducting an investigation at a residence near Willow Street and Bellflower Blvd., Long Beach police Sgt. Rico Fernandez said.

The woman who owns the dogs was trying to put them in the garage when the animals attacked her and began biting her, Fernandez said.

Officers initially attempted to use non-lethal force to subdue the dogs, he said.

"However, this was not effective, and the dogs continued their attack on the owner. Seeing that the owner was in danger of serious injury, one officer discharged his firearm to save her and stop the attack," Fernandez said.

"The dogs fled from the garage, but remained a threat to the injured owner and the officers, and both dogs were shot by officers," he added.

One dog died at the scene, and the other was treated at an animal hospital. Their breed was not disclosed.

The dogs' owner was taken to a hospital for treatment of multiple bites to her upper and lower body, Fernandez said.

(©2011 CBS Local Media, a division of CBS Radio Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Wire services contributed to this report.)