BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (AP) -- An Alabama attorney who's accused of slitting a dog's throat during a heated custody dispute is being held in the Jefferson County Jail.

Sheriff's officials say 45-year-old James Stewart Robinson was divorcing his wife when the custody of their American Staffordshire Terrier named Rufus became a point of contention.

Authorities say Robinson slit the dog's throat and sent a photo to his estranged wife.

Robinson was charged with animal cruelty, and sheriff's officials said Tuesday he surrendered late Monday.

The case has been under investigation since June. The University of Florida Animal Forensics Laboratory and the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals assisted with the review.

Robinson is being held on $40,000 bond. It's not known whether he has an attorney.