An Arkansas police officer has been placed on administrative leave after he was shown on video shooting a small dog in the face.

The Faulkner County Sheriff’s Office said Deputy Keenan Wallace was “relieved of his duties” after footage of him opening fire on the Chihuahua while responding to reports of an aggressive dog began circulating on social media.

County Sheriff Tim Ryals said in statement that Mr Wallace had “numerous opportunities to de-escalate the incident.”

“Our department is [saddened] about this incident and apologise for any distress and disappointment this incident has caused anyone who was affected by this disheartening event," he said.

“We will keep Reeses in our thoughts through the recovery process.”

In the video, Mr Wallace can be seen speaking to a resident as two small dogs run around on the grass after he arrives at the property in Shiloh Estates subdivision in Conway, located about 30 miles north of Little Rock.

He then asks the dog’s owner, Doug Canady, to come to the road to speak with him. When Mr Canady refuses, the deputy begins walking to him as the dog begins barking.

He then threatens to shoot one of the dogs if it became too aggressive. About 20 seconds later he does just that.

Deputy Keenan Wallace was 'relieved of his duties' after footage emerged of him opening fire on the Chihuahua (Faulkner County Sheriff's Office)

In the video, Mr Canady can be heard saying: “I’m recording you right now. I just recorded you shooting that dog in front of me putting me in danger.”

The deputy responded, saying: "No, I didn’t, the shot hit the dog, what I aimed at.”

Support free-thinking journalism and attend Independent events

The dog, named Reeses, survived the shooting with a broken jaw and bullet in the face. He is currently under the care of a Little Rock veterinarian.