A man in California was arrested on stalking and animal cruelty charges after allegedly killing his ex-girlfriend's Pomeranian and feeding him to her.

USA Today reports the ex-girlfriend of 34-year-old Ryan Watenpaugh told Redding, California police Watenpaugh assaulted her and took her dog—a Pomeranian named Bear—in August after a fight. The couple reportedly got back together briefly in early September, at which point Watenpaugh cooked his ex a meal.

According to NBC News, police report that the next day "the victim received a text message from Watenpaugh asking how her dog tasted, and referenced the meal he had cooked for her." She then found a pair of severed dog's paws on her doorstep. Police are now reportedly testing the remains. Redding Police Sergeant Todd Cogle spoke to NBC News, saying dogs are innocent, "all they want is affection and love":

"For someone to take advantage of that innocence is obviously sad and depressing."

Watenpaugh, who admits to leaving the severed paws but denies killing and cooking Bear, is being held on a $250,000 bail.

[image via Redding Police Dept.]