EL PASO, Texas -- Specialist Frank Zimmerman, who is charged with animal cruelty, received an official reprimand -- which some animal rights activists fear is not enough of a punishment.

Animal rights advocates, Evelyn Shannon and Donna Holmes created a petition online when they heard the KFOX story about Fort Bliss MP Frank Zimmerman.

"We want to send a message to Col. Manning of Fort Bliss that he needed to adjudicate this to the fullest extent of the UCMJ," said Shannon.

But the women believe the Uniform Code of Military Justice failed. Instead of a court martial, Fort Bliss announced that Zimmerman will be reduced in rank and punished under what's called "Article 15" -- a nonjudicial procedure. The petitioners see it as getting a traffic ticket without a fine.

"We didn't want this passed over. We didn't want the alleged perpetrator of this crime against Tinkerbelle to get a slap on the wrist or just a discharge," said Shannon.

As KFOX first reported in March, Zimmerman is accused of stomping on the neck of Tinkerbelle, killing her and shattering Wrigley's leg. Looking at the petition, you can see where some people have very strong feelings.

"This guy has always been messed up. And his wife. I never thought he would go this far. But this blank better spend more than a darn week in jail," Evelyn read from the blogs posted on the Web site.

From the public affairs office to Colonel Manning himself, no one is willing to go on camera and talk with us. In an emailed press release, Fort Bliss officials stated the details of Zimmerman's punishment are private and his separation from the Army will be completed next month.

The petitioners said they will like supporters to write to the Under Secretary of the Army, Pete Geren and let him know about Zimmerman's punishment. The address is: 1400 Defense Pentagon, Washington, D.C, 20301-1400.