Trial starting for bird expert accused in cat's shooting death

Tuesday, November 13, 2007

(11/13/07 - GALVESTON, TX) -- Prosecutors in the trial of a prominent bird-watcher charged with animal cruelty for allegedly shooting a cat said they will try to show that the stray cat had become the pet of a tollbooth employee.

Testimony was scheduled to begin Tuesday in the trial of Jim Stevenson, 54, a founder of the Galveston Ornithological Society. He is accused of shooting to death a feral cat with a .22-caliber rifle in November 2006 near the San Luis Bridge Pass in Galveston.

To convict Stevenson of animal cruelty, prosecutors must prove that the cat had an owner. A revision of the cruelty law that took effect Sept. 1 broadens protection to stray animals, but the law came too late for Stevenson's case.

"I think the biggest challenge is going to be establishing ownership," said Paige Santell, assistant district attorney for Galveston County.

Defense attorney Tad Nelson said Stevenson was ready to defend himself.

"By the end of the week, this will all be a bad memory," Nelson said.

Stevenson has defended the killing of feral cats to protect endangered birds.

He was arrested after a toll worker told police he saw two shots come from a white van emblazoned with the name of the ornithological society and driven by Stevenson. Police found a .22 caliber rifle in the vehicle. The cat was found beneath a bridge and taken to an animal clinic, where it later died, police said.

Bridge workers told police they had been caring for several cats, including the cat that was shot.

Lara Wendler, legislative director for Sen. John Whitmire, D-Houston, said the revision of the animal cruelty law was intended to protect stray animals.

Santell said Stevenson can't be tried under the tougher law because it wasn't in place when the alleged shooting occurred.

If found guilty, Stevenson could face up to two years in prison and a $10,000 fine.

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