The Los Angeles County district attorney's office says 37-year-old Rudy Fernandez was sentenced Wednesday to 294 days in jail but got credit for time served. If he violates probation, he could face up to three years in state prison.
Authorities say Fernandez tried to strangle his brother's dog in March then hit the dog in the head with an ax, fracturing its skull.
Fernandez pleaded no contest last month to a count of felony animal cruelty.
As part of his sentence, Fernandez can't own any animal for five years and must attend mental health and animal cruelty programs.
