By BOB SHRALUKA
WZBD.com
For the second time in several months, Decatur officials have reacted angrily to unfounded accusations on social media.
The first time, last year, the reaction had to do with complaints about city officials attempting to get a local resident to clean up her property – property which had brought several complaints.
This time it was an explosion of unsubstantiated claims resulting from an alleged incident in which a city resident shot and killed a cat, then incinerated it.
With a group of animal rights activists on hand in City Hall for Tuesday night’s meeting of Decatur City Council, Shawn Braun, a 16th St. resident, stepped up first and began tossing out all manner of accusations.
“There is no law protecting these animals,” Braun said. “There is no protection for these animals. Somebody is out there killing animals.”
Councilman Scott Murray informed Braun that in February of 2023, Building/Zoning Director Curt Witte had brought before council an ordinance with some changes having to do with animals.
One meeting was held for both sides to work out agreements on what should be done and what could be done in protecting animals. But the group did return for a second meeting, he said.
“And we all agreed not to fight over social media,” Murray added.
Braun said pellet guns were being used to kill animals and they should be banned. Police Chief Kevin Gerber said that under Indiana law, a pellet gun was not the same as a gun that carries bullets.
And Mayor Dan Rickord pointed out cities cannot make laws to supersede federal laws: “We can’t make it illegal to not shoot a gun inside city limits.”
When Braun said, “It seems to me you guys don’t care,” temperature rose quickly.
Rickord talked about the dog he has at home, “and I love my dog.”
“There is a lot of ignorance and assumption on social media,” the police chief sternly said. “A firestorm (over the alleged cat killing) and a lot of it comes from you.”
With Braun charging police “didn’t do their job” and arrest someone after the alleged incident, Gerber said. “We can’t just go out and arrest someone; we have to follow the law.
“We have to play by the rules,” adding that it was “string ’em up” on social media.
Braun said he didn’t do so, to which the chief replied: “You committed it.”
“Our officer (investigating the alleged incident) did his job, he did as they are supposed to do,” Rickord added.
Muttering something, Braun got up from the table facing council and stormed out, throwing down some papers. “Sir, pick up your papers, please,” Rickord said … to no avail.
The meeting then turned to civility and agreement (read more about it here).
