Man Arrested for Killing Pet Dogs with Ax

A Northeast Iowa man has been taken into custody, on accusations that he killed two dogs with an ax.

The incident reportedly happened Saturday morning in Decorah.

21 year old Douglas Usgaard of Decorah is being charged with 2 counts of Animal Torture-1st Offense; he is being held on $5,000 cash bond in the Winneshiek County jail in Decorah.

Usgaard allegedly killed two dogs, a 14 year old Labradoodle and a 13 year old Shih Tzu-Bichon mix, both owned by a family member. The incident happened at a Decorah home on Mound Street. Usgaard had been living with relatives at the time.

Usgaard also faces an upcoming trial, for allegedly stealing cell phones from the Luther College football stadium in July; he is being charged with theft in that incident.