Pennsylvania Man Charged After Brutal Attack on His Dogs

In Washington County, Pennsylvania, a 73-year-old man is facing multiple charges of animal cruelty after police say he violently attacked two of his own dogs with a hammer and left them for dead. According to investigators, Daniel McCullough of North Strabane Township admitted to striking the dogs—named Rawhide and Tiny—on the head with a ball-peen hammer on the front porch of his home in Angel Estates.

Source: YouTube

Source: YouTube

Police say McCullough then placed both dogs in a box and discarded them in a trash can, believing they had died. But against all odds, one of the dogs, a small long-haired chihuahua named Tiny, managed to survive. She was later discovered by a neighbor, critically injured but still alive. The neighbor quickly got her emergency veterinary care, helping her stabilize. Tiny has since been recovering, and the neighbor has expressed hope of providing her with a permanent, safe home.

Tragically, the other dog, Rawhide, is believed to have died after the trash containing the box was collected. Authorities confirmed that McCullough openly confessed to his actions, even explaining the reasoning behind the attack. According to Lt. Mike Miller of the North Strabane Police, McCullough said his decision was motivated by new community rules that limited residents to keeping a maximum of two dogs. Since he had four, he chose to violently kill two of them rather than surrender them to an animal shelter or rehome them.

The incident has shocked the community, raising concerns about the safety and treatment of animals. McCullough now faces several charges, including aggravated cruelty to animals. His remaining two dogs have been safely removed from his home by authorities, ensuring they are no longer at risk.

Source: YouTube

This disturbing case highlights the vulnerability of pets and the responsibility of communities to protect them. Tiny’s survival has brought some comfort, serving as a reminder of the resilience of animals even in the face of cruelty. Meanwhile, the loss of Rawhide underscores the devastating consequences when pets are not valued as family members but instead become victims of violence.