Detroit man killed neighbor's Chihuahua in self-defense, report says

(CBS) DETROIT - A 14-year-old Detroit girl is mourning the loss of her pet Chihuahua after her neighbor shot and killed it, claiming self-defense, CBS Detroit reports.

Pictures: Crimes against animals (GRAPHIC IMAGES)

The neighbor claims the 1-year-old dog named Jojo charged him after the teenage owner let the dog outside by itself.

David Rudolph of Detroit Dog Rescue, who was brought in to help dispose of the dog's body, told WWJ Newsradio 950 he was shocked to learn that someone would consider a tiny, 5-pound dog a serious threat.

"Just the nature of the dog... I mean, in most cases, when people think of what would be a vicious dog it's not a Chihuahua - in other words, the Taco Bell dog," said Rudolph. "We just don't see that as the type of dog that should be definitely shot and killed."

Rudolph said the whole ordeal could have easily been avoided.

"This would have never happened if the dog had been properly leashed and under the direct supervision of the owner... In no way should you ever have your dog out and not leashed," Rudolph said.

Police determined the neighbor acted within reason and no charges were filed.