A ‘loner’ from Ellesmere Port slit a dog’s throat with a butcher’s knife.
Norman Davies, 56, of Grafton Road, admitted attacking three-year-old Patterdale Terrier Misty after taking her out on a walk on May 4.
He was jailed for 18 weeks and banned from owning animals for life at Chester Magistrates Court on October 15.
Misty survived the ‘horrific’ injuries after the blade just missed the jugular vein.
Presiding magistrate John Argust said: “This is one of the worst cases of animal cruelty I have ever come across.
“The sole purpose of the action was a deliberate attempt to kill.”
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Davies was walking Misty on behalf of her owner, Blake Portbury, of Joseph Groome Towers, Ellesmere Port.
He had taken her and another dog in their care out before without a problem.
Christopher Murphy, prosecuting, said: “Davies came back with just a blood-stained collar.
“He said to them it had just run away, but the dog returned home the following morning clearly suffering with its injuries.”
Warning: Graphic images of Misty's injuries
Misty had multiple cuts to her throat, as well as gashes on her sternum and foot.
Her attacker admitted being surprised to the way she fought back.
The RSPCA were informed and Davies initially denied the allegation in an interview, but confessed to attempting to kill the terrier using a butcher’s knife.
Steven Alis, defending, said: “My client believed the dog was being mistreated by its owner and they didn’t want her.
“He bitterly regrets what he has done, he said if he could turn back the clock he would.”
Misty’s owners denied the claims of mistreatment and no charges have been brought.
Davies pleaded guilty to causing unnecessary suffering to an animal on September 24.
Mr Alis said: “My client is a man with a low IQ.
“He’s also a bit of a loner, he was divorced at the age of 25 and hasn’t had a proper relationship since.”
Davies voluntarily surrendered another dog and a tarantula he owned to the RSPCA.
The 56-year-old cannot appeal to have the life ban removed in the next 10 years, and was ordered to pay £1653.53 costs.
Under the order he is stopped from owning or possessing any animal.
RSPCA inspector Lisa Lupson said: “Misty would have been absolutely terrified and it would have been excruciatingly painful for her.
“If Misty had not managed to get free when she did then she may not be here today, she had an incredibly lucky escape.
“Thankfully she has now been rehomed and is making progress in getting on with her life after suffering this horrific ordeal.”
