Man jailed after killing sharpei puppy with kitchen knife
Matej Ciroka has been jailed for 18 months
A man has been sentenced to 18 months in prison and banned from keeping dogs for life after stabbing and killing his sharpei puppy.
24-year-old Matej Ciroka, who's from Manchester, pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to a dog by inflicting sharp force trauma.
He appeared at Stoke Crown Court on Monday (15th December).
The court heard how Ciroka used a kitchen knife to stab his dog, seven-month-old Aki, in his ribs.
He told vets that Aki had fallen onto the corner of a coffee table and collapsed.
The veterinary nurse said in court that the puppy had no signs of life and could not be resuscitated.
His defence was that he didn't mean to do it, and he had a number of physical and mental health issues.
Following sentencing, investigating officer, RSPCA Inspector Amy Pellegrini said: “All animals deserve to be treated with kindness and respect.
“Cases like this are incredibly upsetting, and fortunately rare, but if anyone is worried about how they are treating their pet or fear they could put them in danger, we’d urge you to seek help immediately. There’s useful information on our website.”