A man charged with shooting a cat with a shotgun has been given an 11-month and 29-day suspended sentence and directed to pay $250 in restitution to the cat's owner.
Joshua Lee Willerson of 5508 Nations Road, Ooltewah, also was directed by General Sessions Court Judge Bob Moon to pay a $500 fine as well as court costs.
The judge said Willerson must perform 20 days of public service work at the Chattanooga Humane Society.
Karen A Brown testified that she was walking her children from school last Oct. 26 when she heard two shots fired in nearby woods. She and the owner of the animal, Michael Paul Martin, said the shots were fired in a residential area filled with children and near a school.
Mr. Martin said Willerson shot the cat and ordered his dog to "sic it." The cat died moments later after being shot in a tree.
Judge Moon told Willerson he might be charged with additional game offenses for hunting within 200 yards of a dwelling, killing an animal with no established hunting season, and hunting without a license.
The judge also told Willerson the state had the option of prosecuting him on reckless endangerment charges.
Willerson also must forfeit his weapon to the state, and he is restricted him from owning or possessing a firearm for one year.