"We're very happy, although we would have wanted a longer sentence, but this is a start," Tonel commented on the first ever prison sentence for animal cruelty in Slovenia, expressing hope that people would start changing the way they treat their pets and other animals.

The ruling is not final yet and the sentenced Steljo Jurincic from the village of Borst may appeal against the court's decision.

In June, the Coastal Association against Animal Cruelty found the starved and completely blind dog infested with parasites and covered in wounds following an anonymous tip. The dog that was chained at Jurincic's house could not be saved.