Man Charged With Animal Cruelty For Stabbing Dog
A North Toledo man, who stabbed his dog six times because the dog bit his hand, has been charged with animal cruelty.
The charge against David Riling Jr., is a misdemeanor, said John Dinon, director of the Toledo Area Humane Society. The “pit bull” was later euthanized by the Lucas County Dog Warden because of its injuries and because it was aggressive, Mr. Dinon said.
Mr. Riling told Toledo police officers he was eating dinner Tuesday night when his “pit bull” tried to take his food, police reports state. He said he pushed the dog away and it bit him, cutting a finger on his right hand and his left thumb.
Mr. Riling called police about 11 p.m. to report the bite, and said, “The dog bit me, so I’m going to kill him,” according to the report. He then followed the dog into the basement with a knife, to “show the dog who was superior.” While in the basement, the dog lunged at him, according to the report he told officers, so he stabbed the dog in the neck and throat six times.
Officers later arrived, and Mr. Riling told them he wanted the dog removed from his home. Authorities said that Mr. Riling appeared intoxicated while they were there taking the report, and admitted to drinking “a few beers.” Mr. Riling told the officers he was heading to Mercy St. Vincent Medical Center for treatment.
The dog was taken to an emergency clinic and was transferred to the dog warden Wednesday. Mr. Dinon said that animal cruelty cannot be charged as a felony in Ohio for a perpetrator’s first offense, regardless of the incident’s severity.
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