But within weeks, the seven-year-old dog’s demeanour changed from happy and confident to withdrawn and nervous, particularly around Menz.

Just why Tess cowered from Menz was revealed when her owner – suspicious that Menz might be responsible for unexplained injuries, including claws being ripped out and elbow dysplasia – installed a surveillance camera in her bedroom where she allowed Tess to stay while she was at work.

On April 5, Menz was caught on camera pressing down on Tess’s stomach, squeezing her throat firmly and then lying on her head and chest while continuing to squeeze her throat and pushing her head into the bed.

Menz, 37, was arrested three days later and after pleading guilty to committing an act of aggravated cruelty upon an animal was jailed last week for three months, after which he will be on parole for five months.

Menz’s crime horrified Wagga veterinarian, Lynne Bodell.

“These poor animals can’t defend themselves, and they depend on us to care for them,” Dr Bodell said.

“To do that is horrendous.”

Dr Bodell said there have been instances in Australia where people who have been cruel to animals have gone on to harm people.

“If they are prepared to do that to a defenceless animal what does it indicate about what they could do to human?” Dr Bodell said.