A 37-year-old man who fatally stabbed a dog at a park in Perth has admitted to animal cruelty and been sentenced to seven months in prison, suspended for nine months.
Four-year-old labrador Luna was stabbed at Apple Blossom Polyantha Reserve in Mirrabooka last month after his 22-year-old owner, known only as Bridgette, let him run off his lead.
Lawyer Michael Tudori told Perth Magistrates Court on Thursday that Jayde Rowan was an animal lover and was remorseful, saying he reacted to a perceived threat but his reaction was not reasonable.
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READ NOWMr Tudori said Rowan, who walked away after the stabbing and jumped over a fence, was remorseful.
“He wants to express his regret,” Mr Tudori said.
“He is an absolute animal lover.”
Throughout proceedings, people in the public gallery scoffed and heckled Rowan, calling him a maggot and murderer.
Chief Magistrate Steven Heath said the act of animal cruelty required more than a fine, and he sentenced Rowan to seven months in prison, suspended for nine months.
Outside court, protesters chased Rowan down the street, holding up signs and yelling “murderer” at him as police monitored the situation from a distance.
Bridgette told reporters at the time of the stabbing that she found Luna covered in blood and she started screaming.
– AAP
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