Wednesday, March 5, 2014 | 3:11 p.m.
A 22-year-old Las Vegas man has taken a plea deal in a bid for probation in a case alleging he slashed the throat of the family dog for the thrill of the kill.
Jeremy Espiritu pleaded guilty Wednesday to attempting to kill an animal — a charge that can result in a felony or misdemeanor conviction.
Espiritu could get probation or up to four years in prison at sentencing May 6 before Clark County District Court Judge Jerome Tao.
Authorities say Espiritu admitted stabbing and slitting the throat of the black Labrador mixed breed named Serenity at his parents' home on Dec. 5.
The dog died at an animal hospital.
Espiritu underwent a court-ordered psychological evaluation and was found to be fit for trial before he agreed to plead guilty.
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