Arnold Man Guilty of Torturing a Dog

Steven Brunello, 53, of Arnold pleaded guilty of using a hockey stick to strangle a friend's 50-pound dog. 

Brunello was living with Vicki Bowers in December, when the dog died. He inserted a hockey stick between the dog's neck and its collar and killed the pet, says the stltoday.com website.

Brunello has never explained why he killed the dog.

Jefferson County Judge Gary Kramer sentenced Brunello to 40 days in jail and five years probation upon release.

Kramer's decision allows Brunello to own pets during his probation, the news website says.