A St. Albans man remained in jail Monday after allegedly assaulting his wife and then attacking the family dog with a sword when the animal tried to protect the woman, according to police.
Bruce E. Bennett, 33, is charged with domestic violence assault and aggravated cruelty to animals, according to a press release from the Somerset County Sheriff’s Department. Both charges are felonies.
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After Bennett allegedly hit his wife, the family dog, a bulldog named Malakai, tried to defend her, according to the release. The woman left the residence, and Bennett then allegedly attacked the dog with a 2.5-foot long sword. Deputy Wilfred Dodge of the sheriff’s department responded to the scene after the woman’s brother, who lives nearby, activated an alarm at his house.
The dog was badly wounded and was taken by police to Meadow Wood Animal Clinic in Cornville, where he was treated for wounds to his head, according to the release. Sheriff Dale Lancaster said Monday that the dog was recovering and was still at the animal hospital.
Rachel Ohm — 612-2368
Twitter: @rachel_ohm
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