FAYETTE COUNTY, WV (LOOTPRESS) – A Fayette County man is facing possible animal cruelty charges after deputies say he stabbed a dog multiple times during a disturbance at a Danese residence earlier this month.
According to the Fayette County Sheriff’s Department, deputies responded around 1:51 a.m. on Friday, May 15, 2026, to a disturbance call at a home on Stanaford Road in the Danese area.
When deputies arrived, they were told a man identified as Zachery Murdock was intoxicated and had allegedly stabbed a dog following an argument inside the residence.
Witnesses told deputies that Murdock became verbally aggressive during a gathering at the home before allegedly grabbing the dog by its collar and attempting to drag it off a couch. According to statements gathered on the scene, the dog bit Murdock on the arm before running outside.
Authorities say Murdock then chased the dog into the yard and stabbed it multiple times before returning inside the home and continuing to argue with others at the residence.
Deputies observed severe injuries to the dog, including a large laceration near its rear hip and another wound near its throat. The animal was transported to a veterinarian for emergency treatment.
Officials later confirmed the dog survived and its injuries were successfully stitched by veterinary staff.
Witnesses at the scene all reportedly gave similar accounts of the incident to deputies.
Authorities also noted that Murdock’s one-year-old child was inside the residence at the time of the incident. The child was unharmed, but Child Protective Services was contacted, and a referral was made.
Deputies later spoke with the homeowner, who requested that Murdock no longer be allowed on the property and asked law enforcement to trespass him if he returns.
The knife allegedly used in the stabbing was not located at the scene.
The Fayette County Sheriff’s Department says prosecutors are being consulted to determine the level of animal cruelty charges that will be filed against Murdock.
