GREENSBURG, Pa. – A Mount Pleasant man who severely abused a small dog, leaving it paralyzed, was sentenced Tuesday to serve up to five years in state prison. Zachary Hixson received a sentence of 30 to 60 months from Westmoreland County Common Pleas Judge Scott Mears after pleading guilty to multiple charges, including two counts of aggravated animal cruelty, neglect, and cruelty to animals.
Prosecutors said Hixson repeatedly punched, kicked, and choked a 10-year-old shih tzu named Snickers while living at his then-girlfriend’s South Huntingdon Township home in 2024. The attack left the dog with a broken spine and permanent paralysis.
During the sentencing hearing, prosecutors played disturbing videos of the abuse that Hixson had recorded himself. A victim impact statement from the dog’s owner was also read aloud in court, detailing the emotional toll and lasting trauma caused by the incident.
As part of his sentence, Hixson must undergo a mental health evaluation and is banned from owning or caring for any animals for the next 14 years. Westmoreland County District Attorney Nicole W. Ziccarelli commended Assistant District Attorney Elizabeth Ranger for prosecuting the case, calling the outcome a reflection of the county’s commitment to protecting animals from cruelty.
A Mount Pleasant man was sentenced to up to five years in prison after pleading guilty to brutally abusing a shih tzu that was left paralyzed.