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One of three people accused of animal cruelty in a high-profile dog-shooting case pleaded guilty Thursday to cruel mistreatment of an animal.

Steven Glenn Sharpe, 28, entered the plea agreement in Pima County Superior Court that could net him three years probation or up to two years in prison.

If he receives probation and successfully completes it, Sharpe's conviction would be designated a misdemeanor.

According to the Pima County Sheriff's Department, Deborah Linda Curren, 44, and her son, Justin Daniel Curren, 20, decided to get rid of their 2-year-old pit-bull mix, Knuckles, on Dec. 26, 2005, because they thought he was vicious.

The Currens and Sharpe, who was their neighbor, set out in their car for the Humane Society of Arizona.

Officials said the three, fearing they would get in trouble for drugging the dog with morphine, changed their mind about going to the Humane Society.

The men took Deborah Curren home and then drove to Redington Pass.

According to authorities, the men tied Knuckles to a tree and started shooting. When the dog got loose, they chased him, but couldn't find him.

They returned to the car to find the dog there, they shot at him again and the dog ran off again.

A dirt-bike rider found Knuckles and took him to a veterinarian.

Detectives dubbed him "Bullet" because of bullet fragments stuck under his skin.

An 88-CRIME tip led detectives to the Currens and a DNA test linked the dog to other dogs in the Curren home.

Authorities said Sharpe admitted his involvement to the police after his home was searched. He and the Currens were indicted shortly thereafter.

Justin Curren and Sharpe were each charged with two counts of felony animal cruelty and one count of conspiracy to commit animal cruelty.

Deborah Linda Curren, 43, is charged with conspiracy to commit animal cruelty and hindering prosecution.

Deborah Curren turned down a plea agreement Thursday. Her trial is scheduled for May 15.

Justin Curren is to announce today if he will accept a plea agreement.

After spending time with an animal behaviorist, Bullet was adopted, said Jami McDowell, a cruelty-prevention coordinator for the Humane Society of Southern Arizona.

Sharpe will be sentenced Feb. 20.