GOLDEN, Colo. -- A Lakewood man accused of shooting a neighbor's dog to death has been convicted of animal cruelty and three other misdemeanor charges.

The Jefferson County District Court jury deliberated for about two hours Thursday before finding Ryan Hayes guilty of animal cruelty, reckless endangerment and prohibited handling of a firearm while intoxicated.

The jury rejected a felony charge of aggravated animal cruelty.

Hayes was accused of shooting the neighbor's dog, "Patches," in July 2008 during a visit to Hayes' home with its owner, Marlys Duggan.

Hayes testified in his own defense and told jurors that the dog was batting his loaded .357-caliber pistol around on the floor when he grabbed the gun and it went off.

Defense attorney Walter Gerash said Hayes was horrified after the shooting, and that Hayes had a tender relationship with the dog.

Duggan said Hayes had been drinking. Hayes had consumed up to ten beers on the night of the shooting, according to prosecutors.

They said the dog's fatal injuries were consistent with Hayes standing over the dog and firing downward into its snout and into its chest.

Hayes will be sentenced in April.