HUTCHINSON– The Kansas man accused of fatally stabbing his wife’s pit bull may face a felony charge when he makes a first appearance in court Friday.

Hutchinson police Lt. Marty Robertson said John Oathout, 59, Hutchinson, was trying to sleep and the dog was being loud. According to Robertson, the man put the dog outside, but it kept barking and he told his wife that if the dog did not stop, he would kill it.

Police say the man’s wife told officers that she heard a loud yelp from the dog and ran outside to find her husband with a bloody knife.

She took the dog to a veterinarian, but the dog did not survive.

Oathout was arrested on suspicion of animal cruelty and disorderly conduct.

Authorities say he may be charged with an unclassified felony charge and could face some jail time if convicted.