RALEIGH -- A fired state trooper is continuing his fight to get his job back.

In September, the Highway Patrol fired K9 officer Sgt. Charles Jones after another trooper recorded video of Jones repeatedly kicking his patrol dog. Tuesday was day two of an administrative hearing for Jones.

“Even though it appeared the animal was being abused, it is acceptable technique that is used,” said Lt. Col. Cecil Lockley, deputy commander of the State Highway Patrol, in regards to the video showing Jones tying his patrol dog – Richo – to a railing and kicking him five times. “Sgt. Jones acted in a manner he was trained, even though it was an ugly manner.

Despite his support of Jones now, Lockley was the one who fired him in September – though he says it wasn’t his decision.

“If the governor’s press office had not intervened in this matter and let the case run its course, I would not have come to the same conclusion as I did [when Jones was fired].”

Jones’ attorney called a dozen state troopers to speak – all trained as K9 officers. They each testified that the Highway Patrol does not have officially approved or forbidden methods for training police dogs.

“There were [no specific methods] when I came on as a handler and as far as I know, there have been none put in place,” testified Rodney Crater, state trooper and former K9 officer.

The K9 officers said Jones’ actions were in line with typical training practices. “I’ve seen dogs that were completely choked out. I’ve seen dogs that were kicked, I’ve seen dogs that were hit with sticks, I’ve seen dogs that were basically shot at with blanks at close range,” listed Robert Reaves, state trooper and K9 officer.

Troopers say without these training methods, police dogs would be uncontrollable and therefore unsafe.

“This is not your house dog,” said Crater. “I have a house dog, that’s totally separate. My house dog, I don’t have to worry about him trying to eating somebody. These are a high liability. You have to treat these dogs differently than you treat a house dog.”

The state maintains Jones should have been fired, because he went too far by kicking Ricoh while he was tied.

Troopers also testified on Tuesday that Jones spent a lot of his personal time and money trying to train Ricoh and break him of his disobedience. They said Jones treated his patrol dog better than most K9 officers.

Jones is expected to testify on Wednesday. Attorneys hope to wrap up the case after that. There is no word on when the judge will make his ruling.