A 63-year-old man was shot with a Taser and arrested after he stabbed his dog to death then threatened officers with the weapon, police said on Friday.
The alarm was raised just after 6am when a woman reported a man living on the Woodhouse Close estate of Bishop Auckland, County Durham, was attacking his pet spaniel with a knife.
When officers arrived the dog was found dead from multiple stab wounds and the resident was refusing to put down his knife.
Armed colleagues were called in and the man made threats to them, refusing to comply with instructions, so they used a baton round and then Taser on him.
He was arrested on suspicion of affray, taken to Bishop Auckland Police Station and medically examined, then questioned.
Durham Police said no one else was in the house at the time and no officers or members of the public were injured.
The property remained cordoned off while inquiries continue.
Superintendent Graham Hall said: "This man was clearly threatening officers and we were only able to arrest him after he was subject to a Taser discharge.
We were able to contain and resolve this incident very quickly, which clearly demonstrates the value of having less lethal options at our disposal.
"Officers will remain at the scene today to reassure the local community that no one else is at risk.
"If anyone has any concerns they can contact their local neighbourhood team."
Anyone with information should ring 101 and ask for police at Bishop Auckland.