06-27-2006, 05:32 AM
Fla. Man Wrongly Fined for Feeding Squirrels
MELBOURNE, Fla., Jun. 26, 2006
Retired Kennedy Space Center mechanic Jack Garrison doesn't own a dog. He doesn't own a squirrel, either, though he admits he likes to feed the squirrels in his backyard.
Recently the Florida man was issued notices of fines totaling nearly $1,400. The infractions, which Garrison calls just plain nuts, included a barking dog violation along with four squirrel-related charges -- from squirrel disturbing the peace to squirrel at large.
The city of Melbourne has admitted its mistake. It says someone called to complain that Garrison was feeding the squirrels in his backyard, and an automated computer program spit out the charges. Authorities have issued Garrison an apology.
MELBOURNE, Fla., Jun. 26, 2006
Retired Kennedy Space Center mechanic Jack Garrison doesn't own a dog. He doesn't own a squirrel, either, though he admits he likes to feed the squirrels in his backyard.
Recently the Florida man was issued notices of fines totaling nearly $1,400. The infractions, which Garrison calls just plain nuts, included a barking dog violation along with four squirrel-related charges -- from squirrel disturbing the peace to squirrel at large.
The city of Melbourne has admitted its mistake. It says someone called to complain that Garrison was feeding the squirrels in his backyard, and an automated computer program spit out the charges. Authorities have issued Garrison an apology.