Burglary suspects accused of pepper spraying 3-year-old dog

MAR VISTA, Calif. -- Amid a series of recent break-ins in a Mar Vista neighborhood, two suspects allegedly broke into a home and pepper-sprayed a 3-year-old dog named snoop -- and it was caught on tape, reports CBS Los Angeles.

In the security footage, the doorbell can be heard ringing, followed by the sound of someone breaking in, according to the station. Two suspects then made kissing sounds to subdue the barking dog with pepper spray off camera, police say.

Despite being pepper-sprayed, Snoop continued barking and his homeowner returned home teen minutes later after the suspects ran out, CBS Los Angeles reports. Police say the suspects had stolen jewelry and a handgun, reportedly valued at thousands of dollars.

The homeowner, who didn't want to be identified, told CBS Los Angeles he found the dog cowering.

"He was rubbing his eyes and scratching it and his eyes were squinted," the resident said. "They can take anything they want, but if they hurt my dog, that's the worst fear."

Veterinarians reportedly say that although Snoop sustained corneal damage, his eyes are expected to heal.

His human companion has since installed an alarm, but says he still doesn't feel safe.

"To have that taken away from you, violated, it's hard to sleep at night," he said.

There have been 11 other burglaries reported in the same neighborhood in less than a week, and police believe the same people may be responsible, according to the station.