EL PASO, Texas -- Fort Bliss Garrison Commander Col. Edward Manning talked to KFOX about the latest on the Frank Zimmerman case and his punishment.

As KFOX reported, Spc. Zimmerman who is charged with animal cruelty received an official reprimand by Manning, himself in April. Zimmerman is accused of stomping on the neck of his dog Tinkerbell and breaking his other dog, Wrigley's, hind leg.

Manning was criticized by animal-rights advocates for disciplining Zimmerman under Article 15 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice, which is a non-judicial punishment.

Manning said legal council advised him to discipline Zimmerman under Article 15. Manning said, because of the severity of the offense, the reprimand was done by himself, a colonel, because a colonel would be able to use tools for discipline as opposed to a captain.

Manning explained that when Zimmerman was read his charges and his rights and he had several options. He could have appealed the charges or he could have requested a trial by court-martial, which would mean he would get more rights to present his case but on the flip side the punishment could be more severe.

Zimmerman did not appeal and he didn't opt for a court- martial, so Manning went forward with Article 15, which we know included losing his rank and facing a less-than honorable discharge.

Now, the next step is the procedure to separate him from the Army.

"The board is coming. He gets a chance to be represented by council, as does the government to present his case to a panel officers who will then vote and decide whether or not he should get retained in the Army, whether he should be discharged and what type of discharge," said Manning.

Manning said Zimmerman is still at Fort Bliss, staying at the barracks, he only has monitored visits with his wife and child and continues to take anger management classes, as he awaits his court proceedings.