Associated Press - November 14, 2009 1:35 PM ET

CASPER, Wyo. (AP) - A 32-year-old Casper man who police say killed an African gray parrot after the bird bit him has been charged with animal cruelty.

Thomas Sage Hallock pleaded not guilty to the misdemeanor charge on Friday in Natrona County Circuit Court.

Police say the parrot named Smokey Joe was perched on Hallock's finger when it bit him.

Hallock's girlfriend told police that Hallock flung the parrot against a wall, breaking its wings, and then stepped on the injured bird's head.

The girlfriend then left the residence, taking the couple's cat, and called police.

If convicted of misdemeanor animal cruelty, Hallock faces up to six months in jail and a $750 fine.

Information from: Casper Star-Tribune - Casper, http://www.casperstartribune.net

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