WHEELING, W.Va.— Anthony Doyle, accused of beating an 8-pound shih-tzu to death last August, was in court Friday as officials determined whether or not he is competent to stand trial.

Ohio County Circuit Judge James Mazzone said Dr. Robert Rush, an Ohio County psychologist, found that Doyle, 27, is fit to stand trial and face charges of animal cruelty.

It all started back on Aug. 5 when prosecutors say that Doyle beat his girlfriend's dog, Toby, to death at her Wheeling Island home.  

When police arrived, they said the inside of the house was covered in blood and that the dog’s body was found battered in some nearby bushes.

Prior to the trial, the defense requested that Doyle undergo a full psychological examination to determine whether or not he was mentally fit for trial.

Friday, Doyle sat hunched over and quiet in his chair during the hearing as Mazzone made official-- the word on Doyle's competency and criminal responsibility.

“The court will hereby declare Mr. Doyle competent to stand trial as set forth within Dr. Rush's report," read Mazzone to the courtroom.

At the conclusion of Friday's hearing, both attorneys discussed what they expect to be an extensive jury selection process asking the court's permission to question more than double the normal number of potential jurors during selection.

Mazzone upheld the request and set a trial date of Feb. 27 with a pretrial hearing set for Feb. 15.

Stay with NEWS9 and WTOV9.com as the trial date approaches.