The deputy, C. Menefield, was evicting a tenant when the tenant allegedly released a pit bull and ordered the animal to attack the officer, a spokeswoman for the department told The Houston Chronicle.

Menefield attempted to kick the dog away and in the process discharged his own weapon and he was hit in the foot, the Chronicle said.

The owner of the dog, 41-year-old Alan Trevino, was charged with making a terroristic threat, which is a Class B misdemeanor. Trevino has "a very lengthy criminal history," the spokeswoman told the newspaper. The dog was taken to the city pound.

Menefield was treated and released by Memorial Hermann Hospital and is recuperating at home, the Chronicle said.