He died soon after at a veterinary hospital. He was so aggressive. He made a sound I've never heard before. The case aroused national sympathy, especially after Mrs McBurnett appeared on the Oprah Winfrey talk show. It touched everybody's heart.
Correspondents say the death of the pet poodle generated more outrage than several child murders.
If convicted of killing or maiming or abusing an animal, he faces up to three years in prison.