• Matej Ciroka jailed for 18 Months
• He killed his dog with a kitchen knife

Stoke Crown Court sentenced Matej Ciroka to 18 months in prison after he killed his dog “Aki” with a kitchen knife.

He was also banned from keeping animals for life.

Ciroka had taken the seven-month-old dog to a veterinary clinic in Stoke-on-Trent, claiming it had breathing difficulties after falling “on the corner of a coffee table” and collapsing.

However, a veterinary nurse testified in writing that the dog showed “no signs of life” upon arrival in the waiting room, and an examination revealed a 2cm-deep wound.

The case was referred to the RSPCA, and Ciroka was charged with causing unnecessary suffering to a dog via sharp force trauma.

Having pleaded guilty in an earlier hearing while serving time at HMP Forest Bank in Manchester, Ciroka was sentenced by the court.

The nurse’s testimony recalled: “There were no signs of respiration, pupils fixed and dilated, and no heartbeat. I requested a veterinary surgeon to check for signs of life. The veterinary surgeon confirmed the pet’s death, and due to the fixed and dilated pupils, no resuscitation was attempted.”

During mitigation, the defense stated that Ciroka did not intend to commit the crime, expressed genuine remorse, and suffered from physical and mental health issues.

After the sentencing, RSPCA inspector Amy Pellegrini said: “All animals deserve to be treated with kindness and respect.”