The 19-year-old man accused of stabbing a 6-month-old puppy several times in the face is in protective custody because of threats from other inmates.

Matthew Davonn Weatherspoon defended himself in an interview with 9Wants to Know on Wednesday night. He says he knifed the American Bulldog puppy in the face in self defense.

The puppy, Diamond, is recovering at the VCA Alameda East Veterinary Hospital where she is still in intensive care after surgery.

Weatherspoon doesn’t deny he nearly cut the dog’s face off with a knife, but through a videophone at the Denver Jail, he claimed the dog attacked him and cornered him in his apartment.

Weatherspoon, who is being held for investigation of felony animal cruelty, says he had no choice but to defend himself.

He says he keeps picturing the dog’s face and feels horrible about what he did, but repeatedly defended his actions.

“You should not have to be on the brink of death for it to be called self defense,” he said.

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