James Kenneth Flohr Jr. was sentenced to 30 days in jail and two years of supervised probation.

Flohr pleaded guilty Monday to aggravated animal cruelty for beating up his parents' 11-year-old pooch, Spike, in January. He must abide by two years of supervised probation upon his release from jail.

Circuit Court Judge John H. Tisdale said tacking on 30 additional days to the 37 Flohr already has spent behind bars in an unrelated matter would be an appropriate punishment for the animal assault.

Tisdale suspended the remainder of a one-year sentence and ordered Flohr to receive a psychiatric evaluation.

"It's bad enough to assault a human being, let alone a defenseless animal," Tisdale said.

With witnesses prepared to testify against him, Flohr, 31, of Frederick , chose not to go on trial. He declined to make a statement.

While investigating the case, Animal Control Officer Michael Douglas learned from a female acquaintance that the attack occurred during a night of drinking at her residence.

Sandra Lambright said Flohr "grabbed the dog by the front paws and held him between his legs and repeatedly punched the dog in the face," according to court documents.

Flohr also grabbed a knife and threatened to "cut (the dog's) God d--- guts out."

Assistant State's Attorney Kirsten N. Brown urged Tisdale to prohibit Flohr from having contact with any animals while he is on probation.

But Assistant Public Defender Matthew H. Fogelson argued that doing so would leave Flohr homeless once he completes his jail time.

"The only place he has to live is his mother's house," Fogelson said. Because Flohr's father died in June, his mother is anxious for her son to return home, in part, to help with expenses.

Tisdale ordered Flohr to remain alcohol- and drug-free, to have no contact with others' animals and "to have no abusive contact with Spike."

Spike, a male dachshund-corgi mix, has recovered and still lives with Flohr's mother, Joyce, Brown said.

Joyce Flohr covered veterinary bills to treat Spike for a laceration over his right eye, swelling and lacerations on his head and a broken left canine tooth. In court Monday, she did not seek restitution.