A Liverpool man has pleaded not guilty to stabbing a dog to death.
Mathew Friend appeared at Sefton Magistrates' Court this morning (January 8) charged with causing unnecessary suffering to an animal.
The charge specifies that the act Friend has allegedly committed is 'fatally stabbing the dog with a knife'.
The 37-year-old appeared this morning in the dock wearing a black jacket and black face mask.
He was represented by Vicky Balenski, while Angela Conlan prosecuted the case on behalf of the Crown Prosecution Service.
While stood in the dock, Friend spoke only to confirm his name, age and address and to enter his plea to the charge, which relates to an alleged incident on November 9, 2019.
The case was then listed for trial by District Judge Andrew Shaw after he heard details of the issues.
It will next be before the court on April 8, 2021.
Friend, of Prescot Road, Old Swan, was released on unconditional bail until that date.
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