BUNCOMBE COUNTY, N.C. (WSPA) - A deputy with the Buncombe County Sheriff's Office Animal Control was hospitalized after being attacked by a dog Thursday. According to the sheriff's office, the attack happened around 4 p.m. at Snowhill Church Road in Candler, when a deputy was responding to a call of a dog running loose. While investigating the area, officials said the deputy knocked at the door of a home. When a resident opened the door, deputies said a dog ran out of the front door and charged at the deputy, biting his hand and not letting go. The deputy then tried to use his taser but was unsuccessful. The deputy then drew his gun and fired a shot, killing the dog. The sheriff's office said the deputy was taken to Mission Hospital for serious injuries to his hand. Deputies are investigating initial and past calls to the area. Additionally, an internal review is underway to investigate the incident, as is protocol when a deputy fires their gun.