Man Allegedly Stabs His Service Dog, A Golden Retriever Named Cub, More Than 100 Times In Fatal Attack

An Arizona man is accused of stabbing his 4-year-old Golden Retriever service dog more than 100 times before dumping the dog’s body in a garbage can at his home, where it was found by family members.

Jacob Bushkin, 29, of Scottsdale, was arrested Thursday night on suspicion of killing a service animal and animal cruelty. According to police, a necropsy found that the dog, named Cub, was stabbed more than 100 times and had his throat cut. It also revealed that Cub was alive during the brutal attack, according to KNXV-TV in Phoenix. 

After finding the dog in the trash, family members rushed him to a veterinary hospital but it was too late. 

Bushkin stated multiple times while being arrested that he hadn’t been "taking his meds," and that he had also not slept in days, according to court records cited by the Arizona Republic.

It is not clear why Bushkin had the service dog, however a former roommate's comments to police suggested potential mental health issues.

Jacob Bushkin's service dog Cub was allegedly found with his throat slid and with over 100 stab wounds in a trash can. Photo: Associated Press

"The roommate also stated that he had many issues with Jacob and Jacob scared him with his bipolar and schizophrenia behavior," police said in the records, according to the Arizona Republic.

Bushkin was living alone at the time that Cub died. A Facebook page that appears to belong to Bushkin shows several photos of the dog, which Bushkin appeared to consider an important part of his life.

Bushkin is being held on a $300,000 bond.

If he is released, police are requesting that the court place him in psychological care.

Bushkin has declined to speak with investigators, police said. His lawyer, Ryan Tait, has not commented on the allegations.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.