Florida man cited for feeding squirrels

TITUSVILLE, Fla., June 26 (UPI) -- Officials in Brevard County, Fla., are blaming a new employee for a series of summons issued to a retired Kennedy Space Center mechanic for feeding squirrels.

Jack Garrison said he was cited for squirrel at large, squirrel on the beach, squirrel defecating or urinating on public or private property and squirrel disturbing the peace for putting out water and peanuts for the furry critters. He even was cited for a barking dog even though he has only a pet cat, which stays indoors.

"I haven't even been to the beach in about a year," Garrison told Florida Today.

An anonymous caller contacted animal control, complaining Garrison's wildlife feeding was attracting raccoons and other critters.

Officials said the operator who took the complaint was new and entered the information into the computer system, which then automatically generated the notices.

"We have talked to this gentleman and told him it was a mistake. He's been apologized to," said Bob Brown, animal services outreach officer. "We've told him this was all an error and not to worry about it."