A man was charged with a felony for beating a dog to death with a shovel, the Denver District Attorney’s office said today.

Joseph B. Trujillo, 44, killed the dog, who belonged to a family member, after he became upset with it and put the Chihuahua in a trash bin, according to a news release.

The incident happened Nov. 4 in the 100 block of South Bryant Street, the release said.

He was charged with aggravated cruelty to animals, and bond was set at $2,500. He is scheduled to be advised of the charges Friday.

Arthur Kane: 303-954-1244 or akane@denverpost.com