A dog groomer seized after beating a tiny Yorkshire terrier to death has astonished police by saying he hit the pup because it was “aggressive”.

Pint-sized Yorkie Sugar had been dropped off at the Kanino Dog Grooming parlour in Brownsville, in the US state of Texas for a coat trim on 24th December.

Her owner, not named in local media, got a phone call from groomer Benjamin Aguilar, 39, claiming Sugar had fainted.

But when he rushed to the shop he was horrified to find his pooch was dead.

Suspicious, he demanded to see the store’s CCTV security footage which. According to local media, clearly showed Aguilar punching the terrier in the stomach and grabbing her neck.

Shih-Tzu Dropped Off At Pet Shop For Bath Returned To Owner As Ashes In Box

Aguilar later told police officers that the dog was being “aggressive” and he had simply been trying to keep her under control.

Yorkies weigh less than 7 lbs (3.2 kilogrammes) and are no taller than nine inches at the shoulder.

Although they can be yappy, experts say they are loyal and affectionate pets.

Experts from Brownsville’s Animal Control organisation reviewed the video evidence for investigators.

A police spokesperson said: “Upon review of the footage, Animal Control Officers concluded that Aguilar used excessive force while handling the victim’s dog.”

Aguilar was arrested and taken to the Brownsville City Jail awaiting trial.

He has been charged with animal cruelty resulting in death and was brought before a judge on 25th December, who issued him with a USD 8,000 (GBP 6,285) bond.