West Valley Family’s Dog Allegedly Beaten to Death by Neighbor Caught on Camera

PEORIA, Ariz. — A couple in Peoria is grieving the loss of their chihuahua, allegedly killed by a neighbor in a brutal incident last Friday. Isaac Zuniga and Brianna Camacho were devastated upon receiving a call from a neighbor who reported witnessing the horrifying act.

They returned home to find their six-pound dog injured and bleeding on the ground. Despite their attempts to save him, he succumbed to his injuries shortly after they arrived. Zuniga expressed his anger, stating, “I get upset every time I see that video. I get really mad.”

The Peoria Police Department is actively investigating the case, with charges pending against the unidentified neighbor involved. Video evidence is central to the investigation and has recently been shared with law enforcement. Reports indicate that the video captures the neighbor swinging a shovel and throwing the dog over the fence.

Authorities clarified that responding officers initially did not have access to this footage during their first visit to the scene. They later obtained it after it was shared with a local news outlet. According to police, the suspect claimed he was attempting to “smack the dog on the butt” when it turned unexpectedly, leading to its injury. He also stated that he was protecting his cat and chickens from the chihuahua.

Camacho rejected this explanation, insisting the actions seen in the video indicate a far more aggressive intent. “A story about him trying to hit our dog in the butt just doesn’t make sense. He was going straight for the kill,” she asserted.

The Peoria Police emphasized their commitment to thoroughly reviewing the video and all circumstances surrounding the incident to ensure justice is served. They stated, “If further investigation is deemed necessary, we will continue to pursue every available lead to seek justice for the victims involved.”

Zuniga and Camacho have placed their trust in the police, holding onto the hope that justice will prevail for their beloved pet.