A Putnam Valley man admitted in court Thursday that he killed a neighbor?s dog.

Frank Aquino, who was originally charged with a felony, pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor count of animal cruelty, in the death of Roxi, a 15-year-old German Shepherd mix. On Memorial Day, Roxi wandered into Aquino?s back yard where witnesses say he kicked the dog hard. Roxi stumbled away and her body was found later in another neighbor?s yard.

Roxi?s owners, the Sampsons, and animal activists say they are disappointed in the reduced charge of animal cruelty. They say New York State needs to change the laws to reflect that people feel that their pets are part of their families.

Aquino is due back in court on January 12 where he could be sentenced to up to a year in jail.