Walnut Creek Man Ordered To Stand Trial In Dog Killing Case

A Walnut Creek man was ordered to stand trial in a dog killing case, but the judge reduced the charge against him on Monday from felony to misdemeanor animal cruelty.

Todd Powers, 38, will return to Contra Costa Superior Court on Oct 30 for a pretrial hearing.

David Larkin, the attorney for Powers, said his client isn't sure yet if he will go to trial or enter a guilty plea.

"We're taking it one step at a time," said Larkin.

Powers is accused of stabbing to death his family's 10-month-old German shephard with knife in April 2012.

Larkin said the dog had aggressively attacked Powers' wife, his children and some backyard chickens in the weeks leading up to the incident.

He said Powers killed the dog rather than take it to the pound because he was afraid the animal would be adopted and harm someone else.

"He didn't want to be responsible for something happening to someone else," said Larkin. "It was his dog and he felt it was his responsibility."

A preliminary hearing where was evidence was presented was held on Friday. Powers was ordered to stand trial after the hearing.

Deputy District Attorney Paul Graves asked that Powers be charged with felony animal cruelty and Larkin asked that the charge be reduced to a misdemeanor.

On Monday, Superior Court Judge Mary Ann O'Malley granted the defense motion to reduce the charge.