A 32-year-old man accused of decapitating a puppy in Glen Innes then threatening police with the same shovel he allegedly used to kill the dog remains behind bars.
A 32-year-old man accused of decapitating a puppy in Glen Innes then threatening police with the same shovel he allegedly used to kill the dog remains behind bars.
Andrew John Wren, of Glen Innes, faced Armidale Local Court yesterday after he was arrested for allegedly forcing entry into his neighbour’s home, violently beheading their puppy and resisting police.
Senior police reported that he forced entry into his 17-year-old neighbour’s Coronation Ave home about 10.30pm and was asleep in one of the rooms when the teen went to get help.
When the teen returned to his flat and woke the intruder, he allegedly became aggressive.
Wren is alleged to have snatched the boy’s puppy and taken it outside, where he cut off its head with a shovel.
Two senior constables soon arrived to find the dog’s body on the front doorstep of Wren’s unit.
Wren was found at the back of the property allegedly armed with a shovel and a pair of block splitters.
Police were forced to draw their guns when he allegedly challenged them.
Acting New England Local Area Command duty officer Roger Best said Wren complied with police requests and dropped his weapons.
He was arrested just before 11pm, but not before an alleged violent struggle, which left the officers with minor injuries and scratches, ensued.
Acting Inspector Best said the incident was distressing and that the owner of the dog was obviously distraught and would give a statement at a later time.
“The victim in this matter is distraught, in the face of such a senseless act,” he said.
Wren, who was believed to be intoxicated or under the influence of a drug, was taken to Armidale Police Station and refused bail.
Acting Inspector Best said the man was in an agitated and violent state.
“The ability of the officers to effectively communicate with him no doubt prevented further tragedy from occurring,” he said.
Wren was charged with several offences, including commit act of aggravated cruelty on an animal, enter dwelling with intent to commit an indictable offence, steal property in dwelling house, resist officer in execution of duty, use offensive language in public place and possess prohibited drug.
At his court appearance yesterday, Wren was refused bail and his case was adjourned until Monday.