'Twisted animal torturer used an AXE to slowly hack elderly labradoodle to death for sick kicks’

A TWISTED animal torturer used an axe to slowly hack an elderly labradoodle to death, police have said.

Douglas Usgaard, 21, is accused of repeatedly torturing 14-year-old Tirina to death at a home in Decorah, Iowa, where he was living with relatives.

Usgaard was arrested last weekend for two additional charges of animal torture.

He's also alleged to have killed Max, a 13-year-old Shih Tzu/Bichon, KMT reports.

Both dogs belong to family members, court files showed.

Usgaard is said to have carried out the murders while awaiting trial for stealing two iPhones from a football stadium.

He has been charged with two counts of animal torture and is being held at Winneshiek County Jail before his next court appearance.