Trial is set to begin this (Tuesday) morning at 9:30 in Atlantic, in the case of a Marne man facing an Aggravated Misdemeanor charge of Animal Abuse in connection with the December 24th shooting of  a family dog. 56-year old Charles Collins Cutler also faces a Serious Misdemeanor charge of a Reckless Use of a Firearm in connection with the incident, which involved the shooting of a Colorado woman’s dog that strayed onto Collins’ property while it was playing. A separate hearing on the firearms charge will be held July 9th in Cass County District Court.

Cutler pleaded not guilty to both charges. His request for a change of venue, was denied.