VANCOUVER, Wash. - The sentencing of a Clark County man who may have gotten his "third strike" while killing a K9 dog was been scheduled for later this month.

The Columbian newspaper reports that Ronald J. Chenette faces life in prison under the state's three strikes law, which can send repeat offenders to jail if convicted of certain crimes.

Killing a K9 dog does not qualify under the state's three-strike law, but prosecutors say the use of a gun does.

In October of 2007, the 39-year-old man shot the K9 dog -- named Dakota -- after police responded to a call from one of Chenette's friends. The friend told police Chenette was armed and threatening to kill police. Dakota ran ahead of officers and tracked down Chenette in a wooded area, where she was shot.

Previously, Chenette was convicted of second-degree murder in 1991 and second-degree assault in 2000. A sentencing hearing has been scheduled for Dec. 12. Chenette was convicted last month.