Courtesy Photo David Michael Beers admitted to taking Zoey, an 18-month-old purebred teacup Chihuahua, off her owners’ property and throwing her out of his car while driving over a bridge. Purchase this photo

If convicted, David Michael Beers, 34, could be sentenced to prison.

According to court documents, Beers admitted to a Maryland State Police trooper that he took Zoey, an 18-month-old purebred teacup Chihuahua, off her owners' property June 19 after arguing with Caisha and Tim Wantz.

The Wantzes live on 25 acres off Point of Rocks Road.

While driving home over the Catoctin Creek Bridge on Md. 464 with the windows of his maroon station wagon down, Beers said, he threw Zoey out a passenger window.

Three months later, Zoey's body has not been found.

On July 27, Beers was charged with three misdemeanors: theft less than $500, trespass on private property and animal cruelty.

In light of new charges sought Sept. 14 by Assistant State's Attorney Colleen K. Swanson, a Thursday hearing for Beers was postponed.

A single court date in November is expected to be set to decide all charges against Beers.

Neither Beers nor his attorney, Eugene L. Souder Jr., could be reached for comment Thursday.

In addition to aggravated animal cruelty, a felony, Beers faces one new misdemeanor charge: fourth-degree burglary.

Aggravated animal cruelty carries a maximum penalty of three years in prison and a $5,000 fine. The burglary charge is punishable by three years; theft, 18 months; and trespass and misdemeanor animal cruelty, 90 days apiece.

This week, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals pleaded with Swanson to prosecute Beers to the fullest extent of the law.

If convicted, Beers should be incarcerated, ordered to undergo a psychological evaluation and receive counseling, and be prohibited from having animals, PETA Director Martin Mersereau said.

"Animal abusers are cowards," Mersereau said. "They take their issues out on the most defenseless beings available to them."

On July 13, Beers told Trooper First Class E.M. Green that he became angry when the Wantzes asked him to leave their property, charging documents state.

He had mistaken their driveway for a service road for power lines, he told the trooper. He pulled in to try to get a better cell phone signal.

Beers told Green he left the property after arguing with the Wantzes, but returned when he saw them leave, charging documents state.

He grabbed the dog when she strolled up to his vehicle, he said.

Kristin DeJournett, a cruelty caseworker with PETA, said the allegations against Beers call for severe punishment if he is convicted.

"The safety of the community may depend on it," she said.