Inverell resident David August Pischke was convicted after a hearing in Inverell Local Court on one charge of committing an act of aggravated cruelty upon an animal, stemming from an incident on October 4, 2015. 

He was placed on a good behaviour bond and ordered to pay $3,000 in compensation for killing a dog, but appealed against the decision to the Armidale District Court.

Acting Judge Colin Charteris heard the appeal and acquitted Mr Pischke of the charge, dismissing the bond and fine.

Mr Pischke said he was relieved to clear his name and said the incident was very upsetting. 

He said he regretted putting the photo on Facebook, but stressed he did not cut up the animal, and the dog was intact when it was removed by police.