On a late Tuesday night in Caledonia, a two-year-old Catahoula named Chilli was fatally shot, according to her owners. They say a single loud pop rang out just before 10 p.m., Chilli yelped and collapsed on the kitchen floor, and the family rushed her to an emergency animal hospital. Veterinarians later determined she had been struck by a pellet.
Caledonia police have opened an active investigation and say a low-caliber weapon was likely used. No suspects are in custody, and detectives are asking anyone with information to contact the department, according to WISN.
Owners describe sudden attack
Amanda Larson told WISN that Chilli “was a good dog, and she did not deserve to be shot and killed.” AJ Larson said the dog had briefly hopped a fence and was outside for about two minutes before a sharp sound sent her yelping back inside, where she collapsed in the kitchen.
How pellets can wound pets
Veterinary resources note that penetrating projectiles, even from low-caliber airguns or pellet rifles, can cause serious internal injuries that are not immediately obvious on the surface. Penetrating thoracic wounds in particular may produce pneumothorax or internal bleeding and are treated as surgical emergencies, per Royal Canin Academy. Those clinical risks help explain why emergency veterinarians closely examine animals that arrive after an unexplained loud report or sudden collapse.
Investigation and community response
The shooting has left neighbors shaken and the Larsons urging anyone who saw activity near their home that night to come forward. Police say the probe is ongoing and that officers are gathering witness accounts along with any footage from doorbell or security cameras to piece together what happened.
