NewsChannel 5.com - Nashville, Tennessee - Police: Man Punishes Dog By Grinding Its Teeth

Police: Man Punishes Dog By Grinding Its Teeth

MORRISON, Tenn. - A Morrison man is accused of using a metal file to grind his dog's teeth down to the gums.

Investigators believe Christopher Barnett wanted to punish his dog for chewing in the house. They said he beat his dog then ground away 30 of his teeth. 

Warren County Humane Society President Andy Anderson said the husky named Lucas lost most of its teeth.

"Apparently he chewed some wires up underneath his house and by grinding off his teeth he wanted to teach this dog that he would never chew his wires again," Anderson said.

The Warren County Sheriff's Office charged Barnett with animal cruelty.

"It's awful what he did," Anderson said. "It's terrible and shouldn't be done to any living creature. It's a terrible thing to do."

Anderson is taking care of Lucas. Though his medical bills are likely to cost thousands of dollars, the Warren County Humane Society has offered to pay for them.

"No matter how much it costs, he's going to get fixed because he deserves it. He's a sweet boy and he's going to get fixed up," she said.

Anderson said Lucas is a trusting dog.

"Despite having gone through the things he went through, he's wonderful," Anderson said.

Barnett will appear in a hearing in April. Animal cruelty is a misdemeanor charge that carries a maximum jail sentence of one year in jail.

For information about Lucas, call 931-668-9660. The Warren County Humane Society
is located at 94 Collie Drive in McMinnville.