Hocking College issues statement about alleged cat killer

The following news release was issued by Hocking College Tuesday afternoon:

"œOfficials at Hocking College would like to assure the public that the recent allegations involving a student who allegedly killed a cat and used its organs as bait is not typical behavior of Hocking College students.

"President Ron Erickson said students learn to be responsible stewards of the environment and managers of wildlife. 'This is most unfortunate and goes against everything we teach. These actions are deplorable and in no respect are typical of Hocking College Natural Resources students,' the president said.

"According to Dr. Steve Miller, dean of students, 'Institutional processes are being followed and any release of information will be in line with Federal Educational Privacy Act (FERPA) guidelines. A complete and comprehensive review of the allegation against the individual is underway, and we are being responsive as well as responsible in dealing with the alleged incident involving this student,' Miller said.

"Larry Coon, dean of School of Natural Resources, called the incident a tragedy. 'This is a most unfortunate incident and it reflects negatively on our outstanding natural resource programs. We have 434 natural resources students who respect wildlife and all forms of life. They may be hunters and trappers but they respect the boundaries of the law. I am truly saddened by this alleged incident,' Coon said."