A Mt. Carmel man facing a felony charge of aggravated cruelty to animals has had the charge dismissed in Wabash County Circuit Court.

84 year old Harold Merris was arrested September 20th after shooting and killing a cat in the 300 block of South Drive with a high powered BB gun.

Appearing in court this week, state’s attorney Kelli Storckman asked Circuit Judge William C. Hudson to dismiss the charge with the blessing of the victims in the case. Under terms of a deferral agreement, Merris was ordered to make a $500 donation to the Wabash County Shelter Buddies, pay $120 restitution to the victims, forfeit ownership of the Daisy Power Line BB gun, and not violate any criminal statutes, or have any intoxicating substances for a period of 6 months. If he fails to comply with the terms of the deferral agreement, Storckman may refile and prosecute the Class 3 felony. Hudson agreed to the move to dismiss the charge.

On a related note, a city ordinance violation of permitting a cat to run at large against the cat owner was dismissed by the city.