A MAN who stabbed his wife’s puppy and slit its throat has been sentenced to 20 weeks in prison and banned from keeping animals.

Robert Humphries, 40, of Roman Road, Taunton, had previously pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal.

Taunton Magistrates' Court was told Humphries attacked the six-month-old black Lurcher, affectionately named Shadow, on June 28 after claiming it attacked his young daughter.

Magistrates heard how Humphries had gone to the Taunton branch of Pets at Home to enquire about euthanizing the dog and had intended to bring it in to them when Shadow allegedly slipped her lead and attacked him.

Humphries then slit the dog’s throat with a kitchen knife before stabbing it and leaving it to bleed out.

The RSPCA was alerted after a Pets at Home staff member spoke to Humphries on the phone and was told he had euthanized the dog himself.

Humphries, who previously worked in an abattoir, was given an immediate 20 week custodial sentence and banned from keeping animals for life. He cannot appeal against the decision for five years and was refused bail.

Speaking after the case, RSPCA inspector Marie Griffiths said: “The RSPCA is extremely pleased with the result. It showed how seriously the Magistrates viewed the case in this horrendous attack on a defenceless animal.

“It was the only correct and right outcome.”

Humphries’ lawyer said that he “didn’t set out to cause the animal pain” and had shown “remorse” over his actions.