HC: Alleged cat-gutter not typical

Hocking County Municipal Court records show that a Hocking College student who allegedly killed and gutted a cat to use its liver for fish bait pled not guilty Monday to a charge of cruelty to animals, a first-degree misdemeanor.

Brian A. Able, 18, of Xenia, Ohio, was charged with the offense by Sandy Harvey, an officer of the Hocking County Humane Society.

Harvey has alleged that Able stomped a cat to death in Carbon Hill, then disemboweled it to use its liver for bait.

Municipal Court records show that the alleged offense took place on Sept. 24, but the charge was not filed until Oct. 27.

Able's defense attorney, David E. Mortimer of Zanesville, reportedly showed up to a court hearing for Able Monday, and filed the not guilty plea on his behalf. Able, who is studying law enforcement at HC, was reportedly not present.

According to court records, Able has a court hearing scheduled for Dec. 21.

Hocking College, meanwhile, put out a news release this week cautioning the public that Able's alleged action "is not typical behavior of Hocking College students."

HC President Ron Erickson is quoted in the release as saying that students at the college learn to be responsible stewards of the environment and managers of wildlife. "This is most unfortunate and goes against everything we teach," Erickson said.

State law makes it a crime to "torture" or "unnecessarily or cruelly beat, needlessly mutilate or kill," an animal.

Regarding any college disciplinary action against Able, Steve Miller, HC dean of students, stated in the release that any release of information about Able's status will have to follow guidelines laid out in the federal Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).

"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 stated in the release.

Larry Coon, dean, School of Natural Resources called the alleged incident a tragedy.

"This is a most unfortunate incident and it reflects negatively on our outstanding natural resource programs," Coon is quoted as saying. "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."