Dream Hotel founder Vikram Chatwal, formerly a close friend of Lindsay Lohan, has struck a plea deal in his bizarre animal cruelty case.
TMZ broke the story ... NYPD arrested Chatwal in October for walking up to 2 dogs and burning them with an aerosol can and lighter. He was booked for felony criminal mischief and 3 misdemeanors ... animal torture, reckless endangerment and arson.
He's now pleading guilty to 2 misdemeanors, including attempted aggravated animal cruelty ... according to the Manhattan D.A.'s Office. Under the deal, Chatwal must undergo extensive psychological and drug treatment, do 5 days community service and pay $1,039 in restitution to the ASPCA.
He also has to register as an animal abuser, and will be placed under a 5-year animal ban ... which means he can't own or have custody of any animals.