A dog had to be put down after it was crushed by a package thrown over a garden fence, its owners claim.

Keiko Napier and Mitchell Galin say they found their tiny four-pound Yorkshire terrier lying “in a puddle of blood” in the backyard of their home in Venice, Los Angeles, California, over the weekend.

They believe a FedEx delivery containing crystal and a Christmas present was thrown over a wall and landed on their pet, named Cooper, while she was basking in the sun.

Cooper’s lungs and liver were reportedly seriously injured and her owners made the decision to have her euthanised the following day.

Speaking to CBS Los Angeles, Mr Galin said: “I immediately picked up the box and Cooper was in a puddle of blood.”

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He added: “It’s painful to watch your dog in pain.”

Ms Napier said an apology from FedEx was not enough – and that she wanted to see the courier introduce a company-wide policy banning its workers from throwing packages.

She added: “Our grandchild plays out here, my mother is out here gardening, I’m here gardening and the package was so heavy that should it have struck one of us it would have caused severe damage.”

FedEx confirmed it would be investigating the incident.

The company added in a statement to CBS: “We extend our deepest sympathies to the family of the pet involved in this incident.

“We take this matter very seriously and are working directly with those involved to determine the circumstances behind this event.

“Based on the outcome of our investigation, we will take the appropriate action.”