BIRMINGHAM (AP) — Jefferson County sheriff's officials say they've issued a warrant for the arrest of a dog owner accused of slicing the animal's throat during a contentious divorce proceeding.

The Jefferson County Sheriff's Office said in a statement that 45-year-old James Stewart Robinson is accused of killing Rufus, an American Staffordshire Terrier, after the custody of the dog became a point of the contention in the divorce proceedings.

Authorities say the dog was exhumed as part of their investigation. Sheriff's officials say emails, text messages and voice mails indicated that Robinson had killed the dog.

The felony warrant accuses Robinson of cruelty to a dog. Sheriff's officials say Robinson remained at large, and they were trying to arrange for his surrender. Information about a possible attorney for Robinson was not immediately available.