CHESAPEAKE, Va. (WAVY) – A man accused of beating a dog to death was sentenced to a year and half in prison. 

Marc Harding was sentenced on Friday to 5 years, with 3 years and 6 months suspended. In addition to his prison sentence, Harding has to pay restitution to Chesapeake Animal Services.

Related: Chesapeake man found guilty of beating dog to death

Harding was charged with felony animal cruelty in January, 2017. 

Court documents show that Harding told a magistrate that the pit bull was not his dog, but added that the dog was his best friend.