Kenneth Plouffe of Flushing Township was sentenced Tuesday to the jail term for killing his dog on Dec. 30, 2011. He received credit for 80 days already served while awaiting sentencing.

Investigators say Plouffe beat his 10-pound female Pomeranian named “Honey” to death after he discovered the dog had defecated in their home. Plouffe and his girlfriend had allegedly been out drinking prior to the incident.

Police say they were alerted to the incident by a concerned friend, who came forward after Plouffe told him what he did.

Plouffe faced up to four years in prison by law, but state sentencing guidelines called for up to three months in jail.

Plouffe’s attorney, Kraig Sippell, argued that there wasn’t a victim, since under Michigan law a dog is considered personal property, Mlive.com reported.

“The dog, as much as we feel bad about what happened here, is not a victim. It’s a piece of property,” said Sippell.

Genesee Circuit Judge Judith Fullerton ruled that a weapon would be included in the sentence, but the dog would not be listed as a victim.

Fullerton received a petition signed by about 3,500 people calling for Plouffe to receive the maximum sentence, but said she wasn’t in a position to go beyond those guidelines.

Plouffe’s sentence also includes two years probation and 416 hours of community service with Genesee County Animal Control. Fullerton also ruled that Plouffe may not acquire any new animals while on probation. A cat believed to be 18- or 19- years-old will be allowed to stay in Plouffe’s possession.

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County Prosecutor David Leyton said 53-year-old Kenneth Plouffe, of Flushing Township, pled guilty Friday to killing/torturing an animal.

Leyton said Plouffe beat his 10-pound female Pomeranian to death on Dec. 30 after he discovered the dog had defecated in their home. Plouffe and his girlfriend had allegedly been out drinking prior to the incident.

“We take a dim view of individuals who abuse defenseless animals and we prosecute them to the fullest extent of the law,” Leyton said in a statement.

Law enforcement was alerted to the incident by a concerned friend, who came forward after Plouffe told him what he did, Leyton said.

Plouffe is due back in court for sentencing on May 29. If convicted as charged, he faces a maximum penalty of four years in prison.