A Peoria family is reeling after their dog, a Chihuahua named Chiquilin or "Chicken Wing" for short, was reportedly beaten to death by a neighbor, an incident that was captured on camera and has shocked the community. According to FOX 10 Phoenix, the family found out about the assault from a neighbor's call, describing how another neighbor was seen beating Chiqui with a shovel and tossing his body over a wall. The family's grief, as Brianna Camacho expressed to FOX 10 Phoenix, is profound: "When we woke up this morning, you just felt the sadness."
Authorities have begun an investigation into the incident, but the neighbor purported to have acted in self-defense alleging that Chiqui was attacking his pets. After viewing dash-cam footage, however, the Peoria Police suggested that the video tells a different story. The accused neighbor has not been arrested yet, but the Peoria Police have indicated, as reported by FOX 10 Phoenix, that animal cruelty charges are pending in this open investigation.
The family, now fearful for the safety of their other pets and their young child, wonders what might happen if another incident, perhaps involving a child, were to occur. "It makes us think, you know, what if a kid accidentally throws a ball over or something. If he did that to a dog, what would he do to a kid, you know?" Isaac Cuniga told FOX 10 Phoenix. They describe Chiqui not just as a pet, but as a protective presence and a valued family member.
Adding to the community's consternation, Cynthia Romero, a cousin of the family who lost Chiquilin, shared her disbelief with Arizona's Family: "I was shocked and immediately felt disgusted and just couldn't believe someone was capable of doing something so horrific to a small and innocent animal." The Maricopa County Sheriff's Office had yet to make an arrest, citing that the video footage was not initially available upon responding to the 911 call. Investigations continue as the family and local residents await further actions.
Details are still unfolding, and updates will be provided as they become available. The Peoria Police have yet to release the name of the neighbor involved due to the ongoing nature of the investigation.
