Cat swung by tail, slammed into concrete patio
Hernando Beach, FL (US)Incident Date: Sunday, Jun 30, 2002
County: Hernando
Disposition: Alleged
Alleged: Martin P. Stevens
Martin P. Stevens, 43, of 4279 Carol Court, Hernando Beach, has been arrested and charged with cruelty to animals. Stevens is alleged to have lured a feral white and tan cat with black strips by throwing it pieces of chicken to bring the cat within his reach. He then grabbed the cat by the tail and slammed it into the concrete patio.
The 14-year old nephew of Stevens said his uncle intended to feed the cat to a five foot alligator that swims in the canal near behind the Bayport Inn at 4835 Cortez Boulevard.
After the cat was attacked, it shook violently and crawled underneath the Bayport Inn's wooden deck. The body of the cat was found under the deck. It appeared to be three or four months old and weighed approximately eight to ten pounds.
Stevens' nephew said about 6:00 p.m. somebody yelled the alligator had returned. Stevens said to his nephew and 4-year old son, "let's feed a cat to the gator."
Stevens' nephew and son tried to attact the alligator to land by throwing it french fries, while Stevens lured the cat to the restaurant.
Stevens told police he didn't intend to kill the cat. He was acting in self-defense when the cat scratched his face. Stevens said he kicked the cat once and threw it under the deck.
Stevens is being held at the Hernando County Jail, his bail is set at $2,000. References« FL State Animal Cruelty Map
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