Stroud mum launched frenzied fatal knife attack on dog

Erica Tavares stabbed the family dog after a row with her partner, the court hearing was told

A mum of three launched a "frenzied" fatal knife attack on the family dog after it had escaped from home, a court was told.

Erica Tavares, 22, stabbed American Bulldog 'Thanos' after having a row with her partner about the pet's escape.

On Tuesday, Gloucester Crown Court was told Tavares repeatedly stabbed Thanos with a 12in (5.08cm) knife.

He suffered four head wounds and a fatal wound to his abdomen.

Tavares, formerly of Constance Close, Stroud, but now of Hackney, London, admitted causing unnecessary suffering to Thanos and assaulting her partner Gerson Barros.

She was sentenced to 12 months in jail suspended for 18 months and ordered to do 60 hours of unpaid work and undergo 12 months of mental health treatment.

She was also told to take part in 20 days of rehabilitation activities and banned from keeping protected animals for five years.

Heated argument

Prosecutor Ed Hollingsworth told the court that the incident happened on the afternoon on 11 February when Mr Barras had just returned to their home to Stroud.

On his arrival, he was told that Thanos had been running around the street during the early hours of that morning and had been taken in by the local vets who contacted the police and later arranged for the dog to be returned to its owners.

"This caused a heated argument between the couple which evolved into other accusations being made, with Tavares suggesting that Mr Barros leave the home and end their relationship," said Mr Hollingsworth.

Tavares began stabbing the dog and pointed the knife at Mr Barros, threatening to kill him, he added.

She was arrested and the dog was taken to the vets for treatment.

'A complete breakdown'

Matt Harbinson, for Tavares, said that she had been the victim of abuse and a degree of controlling behaviour from Mr Barros and was also suffering from post-natal depression following the birth of her third baby.

"She describes this episode as a complete breakdown," said Mr Harbinson.

"She was studying for a business degree, had a part-time job and was looking after three children while also being the victim of domestic abuse.

"This was a day when excessive pressure was brought to bear over the dog's behaviour and she then reacted in the way she did."

Judge Ian Lawrie KC told Ms Taveras the way the animal suffered was "unforgiveable" but accepted that Tavares' offending was "completely out of character".