A Texas man is accused of stabbing his girlfriend's dog and using pliers to break the animal's teeth, police said.
Vernon Ortiz, 40, of San Antonio, was arrested Friday charged with animal cruelty, which is a third-degree felony, KSAT reported.
According to Shannon Sims, assistant director for the city's Animal Care Services, the department responded to a call Aug. 2 regarding a dachshund that had been abused, KENS reported. Officials found the dog, named Cosmo, suffering from facial wounds and issues with his teeth, the San Antonio Express-News reported.
Officials believe Ortiz stabbed Cosmo with a 6-inch hunting knife and used pliers to break off the dog's teeth to prevent him from being bitten, the newspaper reported.
Police said the attack was provoked after the dog urinated on his bed, KENS reported.
"Unfortunately, in the City of San Antonio because it's such a large city, this isn't uncommon," Sims told the Express-News. "We do see more of this than folks would think. People torturing animals, people killing animals ... it's very important for folks to know the city of San Antonio takes this very seriously."
Police said Ortiz confessed to assaulting the dog, KABB reported. If convicted of the charges, Ortiz could face time in prison and fines up to $10,000.
Officials said the dog is recovering and has been returned to his owner, the Express-News reported.
