Some people in a Butler County neighborhood said they are so afraid of their neighbor's dogs they carry guns to check their mail.

The owner of the dogs said they're sweet and harmless, and he's not happy after one of his neighbors shot his dog,Oreo, Sunday.

Oreo will be okay, but his owner, Cody Adams, said he didn't deserve it.

He's definitely not a vicious dog," said Adams. "He's a pit bull, and people just misunderstand those dogs. He's not a mean dog."

That's why Adams said he was so shocked to hear neighbors are afraid of him.

"He was soaked in blood, crying, shaking," said Adams. "He was really hurt."

Dennis Cunningham said he shot Oreo because he was afraid for his life after the dog charged him while he was checking his mail.

"He was growling and jumping at me,and he had me intimidated, and I pulled the gun and shot him," said Cunningham.

Adams said the two gun shots woke him, and Oreo came running into the house with a bullet wound.

"I think he just used it as an excuse to gun down a pit bull," said Adams. "He doesn't like pit bulls, and he's made that pretty clear."

Oreo will be okay. He's limping, and his bullet wound is healing.

"I meant to kill him," said Cunningham. "I didn't want to get killed myself, and the dog has intimidated everybody."

Cunningham said it's not the first time Adams' three dogs charged him. Another neighbor, John Hayes, said one of them bit him.

"There were three dogs that were circling around me and biting at me," said Hayes.

Adams said it was his other dog who bit the neighbor, and only after Hayes struck the dog.

"That's not true," said Hayes. "I hit a dog with a ho after I'd been bit. I carry a gun because I don't want to get bit again."

Neighbor kids told KWCH they've never seen Oreo appear to be threatening.

The Butler County Sheriff said they have been called out to the area before because of the dogs.

He said he can't comment because deputies are still investigating.

Neighbors said they hope Adams will keep the dogs on his property.

Adams said he plans to get a wireless pet fence.