Andrew Wren, 32, broke into the adjoining property of a developmentally disabled teenager at about 10.30pm.

Senior police allege the man forced his way into the unit of a 17-year-old boy and fell asleep when the boy left the unit to call for help.

When the teen returned to his flat, Wren woke up and allegedly became abusive.

He then snatched the puppy and cut its head off.

Police arrived at the scene and found the puppy's body on the front doorstep.

Officers heard a noise at the back of the property and were confronted by Wren, who had armed himself with the shovel and a block-splitter.

Wren dropped the weapons after a senior officer was forced to draw his gun.

Police attempted to make an arrest but a violent struggle ensued, which left two senior constables with minor injuries.

Wren's aggressive behaviour both before and after the arrest had made police suspicious.

They allegedly found prohibited drugs on his person.

He was charged with committing an act of aggravated cruelty against an animal, stealing property in a dwelling, resisting an officer in the execution of duty, using offensive language in a public place, entering a dwelling with intent to commit an indictable offence and possessing a prohibited drug.

New England Local Area Command Detective Sergeant Roger Best said it had been a "distressing incident".

"The man was in an agitated and violent state, and police suspect he could well have been under the influence of a drug such as ice," he said.

"The victim in this matter is distraught in the face of such a senseless act.

"The ability of the two senior constables to communicate effectively with the male no doubt prevented further tragedy from occurring."

Police have yet to receive a statement from the neighbour because he was so distressed over the way his dog was killed.

Wren was refused bail and appeared in Armidale Local Court this morning.

The case has been adjorned until September 24.

Armidale Express