California man facing possible 25 years to life in killing of dog

SAN JOSE, Calif. " Accusations that he killed his girlfriend's dog may get a Milpitas man 25 years to life in prison.

Alex Castro is being held in Santa Clara County Jail after being arrested on suspicion of killing the 10-year-old cocker spaniel of his now ex-girlfriend.

Santa Clara County prosecutors have charged Castro with felony animal cruelty, a charge they say makes him eligible to be sentenced " if convicted " under the state's "three strikes" law because of his previous felony convictions.

Authorities say the 46-year-old Castro's record includes separate felony convictions for assault with a deadly weapon and battery resulting in serious injury.

He served three years in prison and a series of shorter stints for six parole violations from 1999 to 2004.