Pierce County man accused of attacking wife and dog

TACOMA -- A Pierce County man is in jail after allegedly attacking his wife and his dog.

The News Tribune reports deputies were called to the couple's home Friday morning by the man's wife.

She told officers her husband went into a fit of rage when their dog chewed on a small trampoline.  She also told officers her husband had beaten the dog with the trampoline and held the animal down as he strangled it.  When she tried to stop him, she says, he shoved her.

Police say she called for help when he threatened to shoot the dog and smeared dog feces in her face.

The 27-year-old man pleaded not guilty yesterday to first-degree animal cruelty and fourth-degree assault.

Deputies say they also removed four rifles and a handgun from the couple's home for safekeeping.