Racine man arrested for stabbing dog after being bitten

Man charged with animal mistreatment for stabbing dog

RACINE (WITI) -- A 34-year-old Racine man has been arrested and charged with animal mistreatment after stabbing a dog in his home on Tuesday, October 22nd.

Police responded to the residence just before 11 p.m. Sergeant Jessie Metoyer says Daniel Townsend and his partner, Eileen, were inside.

"They got there, they were let into the house and there was a dog that was bleeding in a kennel," said Metoyer.

Eileen told authorities when the two were getting into bed, Townsend jokingly pushed her to one side. The woman fell off the bed and landed near two dogs, one of which became startled.

"The male party got bit by the dog a couple of times and he was treated for minor injuries, and in response to that, he picked up a knife and stabbed the dog about six inches deep," explained Metoyer.

Townsend allegedly used a 12-and-a-half inch long filet knife that had been on a nightstand.

Responding officers say Townsend's speech was extremely slurred and he exhibited a lack of balance. Along with mistreating animals, Townsend was charged with disorderly conduct with a dangerous weapon.

Townsend's neighbor, Joseph Gonzalez, says he isn't sure the man deserves the charges.

"I mean, if a dog's attacking me, I mean, I'm going to do what I can to protect myself for sure," said Gonzalez.

Investigators did not say whether or not the dog survived the stabbing.

If convicted, Townsend faces up to one year in jail and more than $10,000 in fines.