Animal control officer pleads guilty in dog shooting

HOUSTON Juan Hernandez cut a deal with prosecutors and pleaded guilty Tuesday to animal cruelty. The judge sentenced Hernandez to five days in jail, three years deferred adjudication, a $100 fine, and 120 hours of community service.

Authorities say Hernandez picked up a loose puppy in February, then shot the dog and threw the carcass in a dumpster. Hernandez must also stay away from animals during his probation.

"That is what we typically do in animal cruelty cases. We do not want the suspect to have any contact with the animals during the term of the probation," said Belinda Smith, Harris Co. Assistant District Attorney.

A Harris County prosecutor said the judge gave Hernandez probation in part because he served with the Army in the War in Afghanistan.