WACO -- In the past few weeks an unusual message has popped up on a few benches around town: "It was CINAL to kill Queso the cat!"
It is the most visible sign of the public outcry since two Baylor University baseball players were charged with shooting, skinning and beheading a cat last month.
The incident has hit a nerve in the community, where many folks say they believe the players' 15-day suspension from the team was too lenient. Some residents and students are now criticizing Baylor, the oldest university in Texas and the largest Baptist college in the world.
"Golly, if you are an unwed pregnant student, they kick you out of school, but if you do something like this you can stay in school and play on the baseball team," said D.J. Ortman, director of the Waco Humane Society and Animal Shelter.
Baylor officials said that the players were disciplined but refuse to elaborate, citing laws protecting students' privacy.
More than 50 letters have poured in to the Waco Tribune-Herald about the incident, and only about five support the players and school, or say animal lovers are overreacting.
Most letters express outrage about the cat's death or how Baylor has handled the matter, said John Young, the newspaper's opinion editor who recently wrote a column on the community's reaction.
"In a society that historically wore skins and survived on meat, how do we reconcile our love for certain animals cats, dogs and horses in particular? . . . Why the fuss about cruelty to cats and dogs? Here is why. Kinship," Young wrote.
On March 9, Waco police responded to a report that someone shot a cat at a Taco Cabana near the Baylor campus and fled in a sport utility vehicle. Employees had seen the animal frequently in the parking lot and had nicknamed it "Queso."
Officers then stopped reserve outfielder Clint Bowers' vehicle and saw what appeared to be blood on the door and steering wheel. Police reported finding a severed, skinned cat's head in the back beneath some clothing, as well a pellet gun, a knife and a golf club that appeared to have cat hair on it.
Bowers and pitcher Derek Brehm were charged with animal cruelty, a misdemeanor, and face up to one year in jail and a $4,000 fine if convicted.
Police presented the case last week to the McLennan County district attorney's office, which has been bombarded with calls and letters.
"I appreciate the public sentiment that they are concerned that a crime was committed, but we'll make our determination in the case based on facts and evidence," said prosecutor Crawford Long.
Baylor, founded in 1845, is controlled by an all-Baptist board of regents and is affiliated with the Baptist General Convention of Texas.
Student misconduct on or off campus "detracts from the Christian witness Baylor strives to present to the world," according to the 2000-2001 student handbook.
Punishment ranges from a written warning to expulsion for misconduct, which Baylor defines as drinking, gambling, premarital sex, cohabitation, homosexuality, disrespectful behavior, using weapons, breaking the law and other acts.
Some students, who spoke on the condition of anonymity for fear they would be punished, say Baylor has treated unwed pregnant students harshly and disciplined unmarried couples who spent the night together off campus.
Students say Brehm and Bowers weren't banned from class or campus, which contradicts a school policy to remove students who harm others or pose a risk to others.
"Because it's a Christian school, you expect higher standards," said Mari Calzada, a Baylor junior majoring in psychology and music.
Baylor officials did not return calls Monday seeking comment about misconduct policies.
Brehm and Bowers were suspended from the team March 22 and reinstated April 6. Animal welfare groups say the university took action only after they demanded it and didn't do enough.
"I feel the players were put on temporary suspension to shut everyone up," said Kathie Robnett, president of Fuzzy Friends Rescue in Waco. "It sends a message that Baylor is more interested in winning the game rather than any moral implication of this crime."
Brehm, 20, a sophomore from San Antonio East Central, is a three-time All State pitcher. Bowers, 22, a junior from Robinson High School, previously attended McLennan Community College.
"I'd like to apologize to my family, friends and everyone who has been affected by this incident," Brehm said earlier this month.
Bowers said, "Words cannot adequately express the remorse I feel for the pain that this has caused my family, my friends, my school and the city of Waco."
Animal groups say the students seem embarrassed but have failed to show remorse for the crime.
"We don't want to destroy these two young men," said Jerry Layne, an animal activist. "We just want a proper, meaningful punishment for the crime."
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