Man stabbed in the chest after confronting dog owner over mistreatment
A dog owner on the NSW Central Coast has been arrested after allegedly stabbing a man who came to his house to talk with him over the treatment of his pet.
Footage of a staffordshire terrier being kicked by his owner sparked outrage online.
Power-lifting champion Rhys Kean and his friends tracked down the owner, James Shilton, and his partner at their Empire Bay home.
"We wanted to go in and let them know that we know what's been happening and we won't stand for it," Mr Kean said.
While the confrontation had a peaceful resolution, things turned awry when another local, Vincent Natoli, allegedly tried to rescue the staffordshire terrier, which is named Bruce.
Mr Shilton ended up allegedly stabbing Mr Natoli in the chest.
He was then arrested and charged over the incident.
He was granted conditional bail in court today after his lawyer argued he acted in self defence.
This afternoon, the RSPCA took Bruce into care.
Mr Natoli was taken to hospital and has since been discharged.