This alert is no longer active, but here for reference. Animals still need your help.

An Arizona man is facing a felony animal cruelty charge after being caught on video beating his neighbor's chihuahua Chiquilin to death with a shovel. Demand maximum penalties in this case!
 

In April 2025, Chiquilin had escaped his yard, and his family was told by a neighbor that another resident was caught on camera beating him with a shovel and tossing his body over a wall.

Chiquilin tragically didn't survive, and Kenneth McGaughey was identified as his attacker. McGaughey claimed the dog had attacked his cat, and believes he did nothing wrong.
 

However, the Peoria Police Department recommended he be charged with felony animal cruelty, and now he may finally be held accountable.

Although only one felony animal cruelty count was filed — even though Kenneth McGaughey struck the terrified dog forcefully at least three times, leaving him so grievously injured that he had to be euthanized — this still qualifies as a Class 5 Felony. The law allows for a maximum sentence of 2.5 years in prison and a fine of up to $150,000, which we are urging the prosecutor to pursue in full. We are also seeking a permanent prohibition on any future contact with animals, along with a court-ordered psychological evaluation and any needed treatment before his release. Anything less would fail to deliver true justice for this brutal and deliberate act of cruelty.

Letter to Decision Maker(s) for reference:

Subject: Maximum Sentence for Man Who Beat Chihuahua With Shovel

I am writing to you in support of the maximum prosecution of Kenneth McGaughey, who has been charged with felony animal cruelty after being captured on video killing a Chihuahua named Chiquilin with a shovel. 

There is no excuse for the violent and malicious manner in which he attacked such a tiny dog, and even more concerning is that he told the media he didn’t believe he had done anything wrong. Brianna and Isaac Cuniga and their children deserve justice for the ghastly killing of “Chiqui,” who was a beloved member of their family, and McGaughey must be held accountable for this malicious act. 
 
I urge you to seek the strongest possible interpretation of Arizona law in this case. Although only one felony animal cruelty count was filed — even though Kenneth McGaughey struck the terrified dog, Chiquilin, forcefully at least three times, leaving him so grievously injured that he had to be euthanized — this still qualifies as a Class 5 Felony. The law allows for a maximum sentence of 2.5 years in prison and a fine of up to $150,000, which I would like for you to pursue. I also request a permanent prohibition on any future contact with animals, plus a court-required psychological evaluation and any needed treatment before his release. Anything less would fail to deliver true justice for this brutal and deliberate act of cruelty.

Nothing can bring Chiquilin back to his family, but they deserve to know that the judicial system did not let them down and that animal cruelty won’t be tolerated in your community. 

Thank you for your attention to this important matter.

Sincerely,

Signed

This alert is no longer active, but here for reference. Animals still need your help.