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Police: Charges will not be filed against man who fatally shot neighbor's dog

MONACA, Pa. — Police in Monaca are investigating after members of a local family said their neighbor shot and killed their dog while two young children were playing nearby.

Amber Wilson said her two children, ages 6 and 7, were playing with Tyson, the family’s 1-year-old black Lab, in their front yard when Tyson ran into the neighbor’s yard.

“Our son tried to let the dog outside. The dog ran off,” said Wilson.

According to Wilson, the neighbor, Thomas Rosenberger, came outside, yelled at Tyson and pointed a pistol at him.

Wilson said that Rosenberger then shot Tyson while the children were just a few feet away.

Rosenberger said the dog went after his wife and dog. He said he tried yelling at Tyson to leave, and even called the Wilson’s to get the dog, before shooting him.

According to Monaca Police Chief William Petures, Rosenberger told detectives that the dog attacked him, leaving him no choice but to shoot him.

Tyson underwent surgery Sunday night, but died from injuries Monday morning.

Wilson said Tyson wasn’t a mean dog, but Charles Hood, a neighbor, said the dog tried to attack him several times.

“To shoot the dog in front of my kids -- that’s sick. What if the bullet hit one of my kids?” Wilson said.

Wilson told Channel 11 News that her children were traumatized after witnessing the shooting.

Police said the shooting was justified and that no charges will be filed.