Man, 64, accused of repeatedly kicking dog in head

Staff report

CAMPBELL

A man is accused of kicking a dog repeatedly in the head because his grandson was afraid of it, a police report says.

The dog’s owner told police that Stephen Malutic, 64, 298 Robinson Road, pushed her 10-year-old son out of the way and proceeded to kick the dog, a 30-pound Labrador retriever mix, around 4:30 p.m. April 19.

The owner told police she has an electric fence for the dog and that Malutic entered her yard.

She said Malutic indicated he had a problem with the dog’s not being on a leash despite the fence because it runs up to the property line when his grandson rides past.

She said that after he kicked the dog, he got into his car and left. She got his license-plate number.

Malutic went to the police station and told police the dog ran into the street while his grandson was there. He said he ran toward his grandson, and the dog ran toward him, so he kicked it, the report says.

He is charged with criminal trespass and cruelty to animals. He posted $325 bond and pleaded innocent at his arraignment Tuesday. He is set to appear at the municipal court June 15 for a pretrial hearing.

The dog was checked by a veterinarian and did not have serious injuries, a family member said.