A French couple has been imprisoned for decapitating their dog with a power saw while intoxicated,allegedly to retaliate for their cat's death,according to national media reports.Police responding to domestic disturbance calls at the pair's Levis residence in northern France last May discovered the Argentinian mastiff fatally stabbed.During proceedings at the Auxerre court,the woman claimed she attacked the dog after finding her partner's deceased cat,which she accused the mastiff of killing,as detailed by Le Parisien.

The unnamed defendants asserted intentions to euthanize the"dangerous"animal,with the man stating that"decapitation was his sole conceived method."Both admitted consuming heavy quantities of alcohol—roughly a liter of vodka and two beers each—prior to the 20-minute assault.The man,undergoing substance abuse treatment,confessed to"finishing off the dog to avenge his cat."

Prosecutors condemned the"barbaric act"as"unprecedented brutality"and a"first in France,"while defense counsel cited intoxication and the woman's"personality disorder"as mitigating factors.Reportedly,multiple other pets resided in the home,as the couple planned a breeding venture.Ultimately,the 38-year-old man received an 18-month sentence,and the 31-year-old woman was jailed for two years.