EL PASO, Texas -- After an interview with Col. Edward Manning on Tuesday, KFOX learned a lot of things about this animal cruelty case. As KFOX has reported, Spc. Frank Zimmerman, 22, is accused of stomping on his dog, Tinkerbell's neck and breaking his other dog, Wrigley's, hind leg. He was charged with animal cruelty and disciplined under Article 15 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice.

"This looked like it stemmed from some kind of anger problem at the least. Immediately, when this happened, the chain of command directed him to go to some anger management classes, to see what else we could offer him, to see what triggered that behavior, and what we could do for him," said Manning.

Manning said he's not quite sure what was happening with Zimmerman. KFOX learned it was Manning, not Zimmerman's captain, who issued the non-judicial punishment.

Animal-rights advocates criticized Manning for punishing Zimmerman under Article 15, saying it resembled a hearing for a traffic ticket. Manning said he gave him a just punishment.

"The recommendation was, and I concurred with it, it was appropriate at my level. It was more severe that what a captain might have handled or lieutenant or lieutenant colonel," said Manning.

Now, Zimmerman was reduced in rank and faces discharge from the Army. A review board will look at his case and will decide if he remains in the Army or what type of discharge he would receive.

Manning said this case is unique and has officers looking at their overall policy and procedures to make sure this doesn't happen again.

"Through out the post, the leadership at the post, we're all very dismayed by this and shocked. This is not normal behavior by any stretch of the imagination," said Manning.

KFOX also learned that Zimmerman had several options when he went before Manning. He was asked if he wanted to appeal his charges and asked if he wanted a trial by court-martial. He choose neither.