A dog was found fatally shot in the head Monday at a known animal dumping site near a Fresno apartment complex at Church and Elm avenues, according to a community member who responded to the scene.

Maria Alvarez Garcia-Adam Carbajal said she received a call from a resident who had been feeding a group of three stray dogs in the area. The resident told Carbajal that a neighbor shot one of the dogs, claiming it had threatened their smaller pet.

Carbajal said the same neighbor had previously made similar threats against the dogs.

A city of Fresno spokesperson confirmed the incident, saying authorities are investigating.

“The Fresno Police Department and Fresno Animal Center are aware of the deceased dog found in the area of Church and Elm Avenues,” the spokesperson told GV Wire. “An X-ray has revealed the dog was shot near the left temporal area above the eye. The dog was a male brindle and white pit bull mix and was not microchipped. At this time, the identity of the owner is unknown.”

The city said initial reports about the dog were received on Wednesday, March 19. Officers responded twice but were unable to locate the animal. The case remains under investigation.

Carbajal, overcome with emotion, said, “This baby did not deserve to be shot.”

She said the dog’s only crime was being hungry and thirsty.

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