BEAUMONT, Calif. (AP) — A mountain lion attack on a French bulldog has prompted a Southern California couple to obtain a permit to hunt the big cat down.

The Riverside Press-Enterprise reports Holly and Mark Adams received the permit from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife this week after their puppy was killed in their backyard in Beaumont.

Such a permit can be issued upon request when property is lost in an attack.

The couple says their purebred pet Mickey Blue was worth $4,000.

They said the cougar was tracked to a golf course, but then Beaumont police officials wouldn't let them use a firearm.

Cmdr. Greg Fagan said hunting is prohibited within the city limits.