pitbull was sentenced to the maximum one year in jail yesterday.

Stanley `Smiler' Antoine Perinchief smirked at Magistrate Edward King as he was led from the court.

He had admitted attacking Max with a meat cleaver and piece of concrete while the animial was tethered at his kennel in Kings Court, Pembroke, 11 days ago.

Yesterday, animal welfare workers said they were delighted Perinchief had been given the maximum possible sentence for the horrific attack, but said they were appealing for legislation to be changed so sentences and penalties could be greater.

Max was close to death when he was found by his 17-year-old keeper just hours after the attack.

He had lost a severe amount of blood and had suffered several knife and blade injuries, including a slice wound to his left eye, slit across his throat and deep wound to one of his back legs.

Animal surgeons operated on Max for more than six hours, managing to save his life, and his eye.

Earlier this week, Perinchief, of Spring Hill Road, Warwick, was fined $900 for the horrific attack, just $100 dollars short of the maximum fine, but had to return to court yesterday for his custodial sentence.

Mr. King said: "For this horrific crime, nothing but the maximum term of imprisonment is adequate.'' As of 3.30 p.m. yesterday, Perinchief had still not paid the $900 fine. If it was not paid by 4.30 p.m. last night, he was to receive an additional six month jail-term to run consecutively to the 12 months.

After sentencing, Mr. King said: "Take him away.'' And as he was led from the court by Police and prison staff, the defendant turned and smirked at the magistrate, continuing to smile until he was out of view.

Mr. King retaliated: "Sir, you can look at me however you like.'' SPCA Inspector Charles Whited was in court to hear the sentencing, along with other members of the animal welfare charity.

And also sitting in the public gallery was veterinary surgeon Dr. Maureen Ware-Cieters, who worked so hard to save the Pitbull's life.

Overcome with emotion outside the court, she said she was glad Perinchief had received the maximum sentence, but said she still had questions unanswered.

Her forensic evidence had shown that two different instruments had been used to implement the blade wounds, and Max had not suffered any kind of concussion or bruising, as the use of a concrete slab would suggest.

She said: "I'm glad because this is the first time we have managed to get anybody in to court for incidents like this. I have seen some terrible things happen to animals.

"But I still have questions that are not answered.'' Mr. Whited praised Mr. King and said they could have asked nothing more of the Magistrate.

However, he said legislation should be changed to enable judges and Magistrates to dole out longer sentences for animal cruelty.

He said: "I think the Magistrate did everything he could in his powers and for that we are very grateful.

"Unfortunately, he was bound by legislation and the maximum he could give was a year, but the SPCA is going to submit applications for the law to be amended so sentences can be longer and more severe.

"But we commend everyone for their efforts.

Stanley Perinchief