A 5-month-old puppy named Diamond is recovering from surgery after his owner stabbed the dog five times early Monday morning.

At 3 a.m., Denver Animal Care and Control was called to an apartment at 6875 E. Iliff Ave. to assist Denver police, said director Doug Kelley.

The owner of the American bulldog said he became angry after the puppy bit him. He then grabbed a knife and stabbed the dog five times “slashing his face,” Kelley said.

The puppy’s owner, who had no visible bite marks, threw the puppy outside because he was mad the dog was bleeding in the apartment, Kelley said.

The puppy was found wandering near the apartment and was immediately taken to Alameda East Veterinary Hospital. After 3 hours of surgery the puppy was placed in an oxygen tent and is expected to survive.

“It’s very concerning when you see a situation like this,” Kelley said. “It’s very sad, it’s such a sweet puppy and you just wonder how something like this could happen.”

On Monday afternoon, police arrested Matthew Weatherspoon, 19, in the case, said John White, spokesman for the Denver Police Department. He is being held and investigated for aggravated animal cruelty, a felony.

Denver Animal Shelter officials said today they would announce when Diamond has recovered enough to be available for adoption.

Jordan Steffen: 303-954-1794 or jsteffen@denverpost.com