Staten Island Man Pleads Guilty To Animal Cruelty After Killing Relative's Dog

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork/AP) -- A Staten Island man who killed a relative's dog has pleaded guilty to aggravated animal cruelty, authorities said.

Edward Nudel, 42, of Bay Terrace, entered the plea on Monday.

He killed the 2-year-old Pomeranian named Lola on March 11 at the relative's home, authorities said. ASPCA officials believe the dog was choked to death.

The criminal complaint said Nodel went to the relative's home when no one was home after the two had argued, the Staten Island Advance reported. He later called the relative at work and said, "I killed Lola," the complaint said.

In exchange for his plea, Nudel is set to be sentenced Sept. 17 to 21 months in prison -- three months less than the maximum.

He also has been banned for life from owning an animal and ordered to pay the ASCPA $1,000 for the necropsy.

His lawyer could not immediately be reached for comment.

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