David Santuomo pleaded guilty to animal cruelty charges in a deal that could help the veteran firefighter save his job, 10TV's Maureen Kocot reported.

In December, an anonymous tip brought officers from the Capital Area Humane Society to the Dumpster behind Fire Station 27 where they found two bloody bags containing the dogs' bodies, 10TV's Maureen Kocot reported.

Santuomo, 43, allegedly bragged to fellow firefighters that he shot his dogs because he was leaving on vacation.

A search of Santuomo's home revealed a rifle equipped with a homemade silencer.  Prosecutors said that in the basement of his home, Santuomo tied two dogs to a pole and fired 11 shots.

Santuomo's attorney said that he has been extremely remorseful for what happened.

As part of his punishment, Santuomo will not be allowed to own a pet for five years.

Santuomo initially told investigators that he shot the dogs because he thought they drank antifreeze.  In a letter that 10TV obtained to Fire Chief Ned Pettus Jr., Santuomo wrote he thought the dogs drank a toxic substance and was afraid that they were suffering, so he shot them to save them from their misery.

Prosecutors said that was a lie.

Santuomo, a firefighter since 1996, faces an internal disciplinary hearing with Pettus that will determine whether he will be given a second chance or be terminated, Kocot reported.

Stay with 10TV News and 10TV.com for continuing coverage.

Previous Stories:

December 30, 2008: Firefighter Allegedly Boasted About Killing Dogs
December 16, 2008: Investigation Continues Into Firefighter Who Allegedly Shot, Killed Dogs
December 10, 2008: Firefighter Allegedly Shoots, Kills Dogs

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