ARVADA, Colo. (CBS4)- A man from Arvada has been charged with animal cruelty for allegedly killing his girlfriend’s dog.

Samuel Talbert was arrested May 28 after neighbors told police they saw him kick, hit and drag the dog by its leash. He has been charged with aggravated animal cruelty and criminal mischief.

When officers arrived they said Talbert, 35, was drunk and the 1½ year old white Shepard, Akasha, was dead.

Police said around midnight on May 28 Talbert told his girlfriend that he was going to take both of their dogs out for a walk. That’s when the alleged beating death happened. The other dog was not harmed.

Court records show the couple had a serious argument two weeks prior. His girlfriend said that Talbert had attempted to strangle her. She said she told him that she was moving out.

Talbert is scheduled for a preliminary hearing June 22. If convicted on both counts he could spend up to 7½ years in prison.