Texas teens arrested for skinning dog and killing kittens in 'satanic-style ritual'

Two Texas teens have been arrested and charged with felony cruelty to non-livestock animals after they allegedly skinned a dead dog in a "cult style manner” and killed a cat and three kittens in a "satanic-style ritual."

Mark Tyler Ainsworth, 17, and Delaney Walters, 18, were arrested by Nacogdoches County Sheriff's Office deputies and are being held at Nacogdoches County Jail.

"The animal went through a lot of torture," Sheriff Jason Bridges said. "It was skinned. Some of the parts were removed. We all love animals. We all love him and they weigh heavy on our hearts and to see what these animals went through and the way they were tortured is sad. "

The NCSO had been investigating the disappearance of the dog and discovered the murdered animal after it had been tied up in a tree and skinned.

According to the NSCO, the suspects admitted to killing the animals and also had photos and video evidence of the killings.

The murdered canine was an 8-year-old Australian cattle dog.

"He had a heart of gold. He loved children very much. He was very smart,” the unidentified owner told KTRE. “[The dog] was one of a kind and he will never be forgotten. Our hearts have a missing piece."

Bail for Ainsworth and Walters has not been set at this time.

[KTRE]