Chihuahua dies after hit with golf club

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PERRIS, Calif., Jan. 28 (UPI) -- A 9-year-old Chihuahua died of injuries from being struck with a golf club in Perris, Calif., authorities say.

The Chihuahua, Lily, who suffered a lacerated liver, broken leg and head trauma, died Friday, KTLA-TV, Los Angeles, reported.

The incident happened around 2:15 p.m. Thursday in the area of High Ridge Circle in Perris, Riverside County officials said.

Lily and another dog, a poodle mix, got loose while their owner was at work and wandered into a cul-de-sac, a Riverside County Sheriff's Department said.

Larry Edward Jaurequi, 58, of Menifee, allegedly approached the dogs with a golf club and "swung the club against the Chihuahua as if driving a golf ball off its tee," the sheriff's officials said in a news release.

"The force of the swing sent the animal flying through the air," the release says.

Jaurequi was stopped by witnesses before swinging at the other dog. He was arrested and charged with felony animal cruelty.