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Animal cruelty charge dropped in cat's death

By TIMES WIRES
Published January 12, 2007

Prosecutors have decided not to pursue criminal charges against a man who said he killed a cat in self-defense last year. Largo officers arrested Juan Moya Aviles, 67, in November after a relative of the cat's owner called police. Officers found the cat, which lived with a neighbor, dead from a stab wound. Aviles told officers he stabbed the cat in the heart after it attacked him, though Aviles was intoxicated at the time. Prosecutors dropped the animal cruelty charge last week.

Birds, history to be focus of program

What were the habitats of the Brooker Creek Preserve and surrounding areas like 100 years ago? What kinds of birds lived there? Come hear about research on the history of the ivory-billed woodpecker in Florida, the relevance of its history to the modern search for remaining individuals, and a few new ideas on this phantom of the bird world. The program will also feature birds currently found in the preserve. This program begins at noon Saturday at Brooker Creek Preserve Environmental Education Center, 3940 Keystone Road, Tarpon Springs. Free. Preregistration is required. Call (727) 453-6800.

'Neuterathon' gives low-cost options

During a two-week "Neuterathon" Monday through Jan. 31, the nonprofit organization Stop Pet Overpopulation Together (SPOT) will team up with veterinarians in Pinellas County to offer low-cost spay and neuter for cats and dogs at least 8 weeks old. Take advantage of the special pricing of $35 for male cats, $40 for female cats, $40 for male dogs, and $45-$90 for female dogs, depending on weight. SPOT offers low-cost spay/neuter vouchers available online at www.SPOTusa.org or call (727) 545-3463.

Spend a fun day outdoors Monday

Kids can set the day aside for some old-fashioned, natural Florida fun and make orangeade from fresh-picked wild oranges, pick up air potatoes for prizes, go pond-dipping, make crafts, watch birds and search for gopher tortoises at a Hammock Safari from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday at Dunedin Nature Center, 1910 Ed Eckert Drive. Cost is $20 with Dunedin Recreation card, $30 without. Register at Martin Luther King, Jr. Recreation Center, 550 Laura Lane, or online at www.dunedin.gov. Call (727) 298-3271.

Mentors needed for children

Gulf Coast Community Care is looking for volunteers 30 and older to spend a few hours with a child sharing activities such as reading, fishing, baking, teaching a craft or visiting a park. Mentors are matched with children who need a positive role model. Many of the children are in foster care or live with a single parent who is going to school and working. Social events are provided as well as support from agency staff, and no experience is necessary. Call (727) 479-1813 or (727) 479-1841.

[Last modified January 11, 2007, 22:11:00]