EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) – A man is accused of fatally shooting a dog at a Westside dog park in El Paso.

KTSM 9 News has learned that the incident happened at Westside Dog Park, located at 7400 High Ridge Drive. According to Vicente Villa, a man shot his dog after Villa’s Pit Bull and the alleged shooter’s smaller dog appeared to be on the verge of fighting.

“Who defends their dog with a gun,” Villa told reporters. “Who brings a gun to a dog park?”

Villa confirmed that his PitBull died. El Paso Police spokesperson, Robert Gomez, confirmed that responding police officers found the 2-year-old dog dead from gun shot wounds at the scene.

Several El Paso police vehicles were seen near the dog park area around 11 a.m. Police later confirmed officers responded to reports of shots fired in the 7400 block of High Ridge Drive.

Westside Dog Park located ay 7400 High Ridge Drive.

Westside Dog Park located ay 7400 High Ridge Drive.

According to Gomez, a 77-year-old man was identified as the shooter. He was reportedly at the dog park with his Chihuahua when the two dogs became aggressive toward one another.

Investigators with the Animal Cruelty Unit are reviewing the case. No charges have been filed at this time, and the investigation remains ongoing, police said.

If charges are filed, the suspect could face charges related to animal cruelty and unlawful discharge of a firearm within city limits.

KTSM will continue to update this story as more information becomes available.

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