Charges pending in guinea pig incident

A self-proclaimed "prank gone bad" might come back to haunt an IU freshman who tossed his guinea pig out of an eighth-floor window.\nAn animal cruelty case is pending against freshman David E. Feldsott at the Monroe County Prosecutor's office. If convicted for the felony charge, he could face fines and possible jail time. \nFeldsott, 19, admitted to IU Police Department officers to using dental floss, masking tape and a garbage bag to parachute the animal out of Briscoe Shoemaker on Dec. 16. \nA case report was also turned over to Dean of Students Richard McKaig.\nAlthough McKaig said he could not discuss the confidential case, he said students can "rest assured that appropriate action will be taken in alignment with the Code of Ethics."\nFreshman Laura Robinson led IUPD officers and Briscoe employees to the animal after she spotted the guinea pig wedged between tree branches.\n"I felt so bad for the poor animal," she said. "From the ground, I could see the guinea pig shaking."\nJanitors used the contraption normally used to pick up trash to rescue the animal by latching on to the "parachute."\nAfter spotting a window with its screen off on the eighth floor, IUPD officers questioned Feldsott.\n"He told us his intentions were to get the animal after it landed on the ground, but (he) couldn't get to it," IUPD Lt. Jerry Minger said.\nMinger said Feldsott told officers he accepts full responsibility for the incident and understands what he did was wrong.\nSara Ivey Lucas, residence manger at Briscoe Quad, said the residence hall filed its own report about the incident which will most likely be heard by the student judicial board.\nIvey Lucas, who has served in various capacities in residence halls for 12 years, said this is one of the most bizarre and disturbing actions any resident has taken.\nBob Weith, director of residential programs and services, said this case further illustrates why animals are not allowed in dorms.\nMartin Mersereau, manager of domestic animal abuse for People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, one of the world's largest animal rights organizations based in Virginia, learned about the case by outraged Bloomington residents.\n"People wanted PETA to secure justice," said Mersereau, who submitted a letter to Monroe County Prosecutor Carl Salzmann on behalf of the organization.\n"Given the violent and supremely idiotic nature of his alleged actions that day, we implore you to take every measure necessary to ensure that the defendant is barred from all contact with animals," Mersereau wrote to Salzmann.\nMeresereau said he did not expect a response from Salzmann, but simply wanted to reiterate the severity and implications of Feldsott's actions.\n"What this animal endured is horrific to say the least. Anyone capable of this behavior is demonstrating an extreme disregard for life," said Mersereau, who recommended Feldsott undergo psychological evaluations.\nThe guinea pig, now nicknamed "Noel" for a triumphant survival story, was adopted by a local family through the Bloomington Animal Shelter.\nFeldsott did not return phone calls or e-mails seeking comment.\n- Contact Staff Writer Lori Geller at lfgeller@indiana.edu.