In Lehigh Acres, Florida, a troubling story has emerged involving a 16-year-old Shih Tzu named Xyla, who found herself the victim of neglect following the loss of her owners.
After her owners passed away, Xyla was left alone and vulnerable, eventually becoming the subject of a heart-wrenching episode of cruelty.
Instead of receiving the comfort and care she needed, she faced a deeply distressing situation that shocked the local community.
 100vw, 639px” data-lazy-src=”https://dailybbnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Screenshot_1-1.png” /></figure><div class='code-block code-block-3' style='margin: 8px auto; text-align: center; display: block; clear: both;'>
<script type=)
atOptions = {
'key' : 'b5a8f64ed9e0e4258dd6399a8c4ed299',
'format' : 'iframe',
'height' : 90,
'width' : 728,
'params' : {}
};
With her family gone, Xyla’s world was turned upside down, leading to a betrayal that no living being should experience.
On December 14, staff at a Family Dollar store made a distressing discovery: Xyla was found inside a trash bag in the store’s dumpster, discarded as if she were waste.
The dog, with a rope tied around her neck, was alive but in a fragile condition. This cruel act prompted a swift response from both the store’s employees and local authorities.
The investigation led them to the doorstep of Xyla’s supposed caretaker, Bellman, who was subsequently arrested at his home. He faced charges of aggravated animal cruelty.
According to reports, Bellman attempted to euthanize Xyla himself because he found taking her to a veterinary clinic too emotionally challenging. Ironically, his actions endangered Xyla even further, culminating in his arrest.
