Man who slashed puppy's face sentenced to probation | Crime

A Denver man who originally claimed he slashed his puppy's face with a knife in self defense was sentenced to 30 months of supervised mental health probation and 100 hours of community service on Wednesday.

Matthew Weatherspoon, 19, pleaded guilty on Monday to one count of aggravated cruelty to animals, a class 6 felony.

“He could have faced prison, but prosecutors with access to a large amount of confidential information about the young man’s childhood determined that a lengthy sentence of supervised probation with mental health treatment was more appropriate than prison and would help ensure the safety of the community,” said DA spokeswoman Lynn Kimbrough.

The incident happened in June at Weatherspoon’s apartment on East Iliff Ave.

In a jail interview, Weatherspoon claimed he stabbed his 8-month-old American Bulldog, Diamond, in the face five times when she became aggressive and bit him.

Neighbors found Diamond wandering around the apartment complex and called authorities. The dog was taken to VCA Alameda East veterinary hospital for urgent treatment.

Weatherspoon had no visible wounds.

Weatherspoon faces up to 3 years in prison if he is not 100-percent compliant while on probation.

Kimbrough said Diamond is being cared for by “medical fostering family” and is doing very well.

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