Michigan animal lover reportedly killed trying to stop man beating dog

Witnesses say Robert Bobby' Cavanaugh struck with pipe after trying to stop neighbor abusing dog on Christmas Eve

A reputed animal lover from Michigan was reportedly beaten to death while trying to stop his neighbor from beating a dog on Christmas Eve, according to authorities and people who knew the victim.

Robert Bobby" Cavanaugh, 60, was riding his bicycle through his mobile home community in the Detroit suburb of Madison Heights when he noticed a fellow resident physically abusing a dog, neighbors of the men told the local Fox affiliate.