A Westmoreland County man is facing serious charges after being accused of torturing a 10-year-old Shih Tzu named Snickers. According to WPXI, the dog's owner reported to state police that her pet had been severely injured under the care of her boyfriend, 30-year-old Zachary Hixson. Allegations of the abuse include punching, choking, shaking the dog, beating it with a water jug, and holding a lit cigarette to the dog’s eye. Videos found on Hixson's cellphone, which state troopers reviewed, appear to show the abuse taking place.
The severity of the injuries sustained by Snickers left the Shih Tzu unable to walk. "Snickers suffered multiple injuries from this abuse, including a spinal injury," Trooper Kaylee Barnhart stated in a statement, as reported by WTAE. The dog's decline in health began to quickly accelerate after Hixson moved into his girlfriend's home a few months back. Given the circumstances, the police were able to rapidly charge Hixson with aggravated cruelty to animals and neglect.
Hixson's behavior was allegedly combative even after being taken into custody, where he is reported to have spit toward troopers. He was arraigned and is currently being held on $50,000 bail in the Westmoreland County Jail. The district attorney's office highlighted the charges, emphasizing the severity of the crimes Hixson is accused of.
