A Pasco County man is behind bars after deputies say he stabbed and beat a dog.

Pasco Sheriff's deputies arrested Houston Edward Neil Spencer, 25, after the dog was brought to Animal Emergency Clinic in Port Richey.

A deputy took Spencer into custody after it was discovered that the dog had been severely beaten, stabbed and left with internal injuries.

Houston's girlfriend told deputies that she saw Houston standing over the dog in their garage while holding a knife.

Houston was charged with cruelty to animals. He remains in custody at the Pasco County Jail on a $5,000 bond.

The dog, Loki, is back at home and expected to recover.