DNA evidence was used in the case of a San Diego man accused of beating his girlfriend's three dogs to death.

The suspect was arraigned Monday on three felony charges. Patrick Caleb Land pleaded not guilty. He had been arrested in North Carolina and extradited to San Diego.

He is charged with beating to death a white shepherd mix named Jackie, a black-and-tan mixed breed named Pikanik and a great Pyrenees and golden retriever mix named Josh. The deaths occurred in September and October.

Land faces up to four years and four months in prison if convicted on all counts, according to Dist. Atty. Bonnie Dumanis. He is being held in San Diego County jail in lieu of $250,000 bail.

Land's DNA was found underneath one of the dog's nails, said county Animal Services Director Dawn Danielson.

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-- Tony Perry in San Diego

Photo: From left, Pikanik, Josh and Jackie. Credit: San Diego County Department of Animal Services