GALVESTON — A prominent birdwatcher who went on trial for fatally shooting a cat said he had left the state after someone shot at him.

Jim Stevenson, founder of the Galveston Ornithological Society, said he has received death threats since his trial on animal cruelty charges. A judge declared a mistrial in the case last month when the jury failed to reach a verdict.

Mr. Stevenson reported to police that he was standing on his porch Wednesday when someone shot at him. He fell back but was not injured.

"I feel like a walking abortion clinic,” he said.

Lt. Jorge Trevino said the Galveston Police Department had dropped an investigation into Mr. Stevenson’s shooting report, because he wouldn’t cooperate with detectives.

Mr. Stevenson said he would rather have the FBI handle the case. He said he planned to return to Texas.

In his trial, Mr. Stevenson admitted shooting the cat but defended the action because he believed the cat was threatening endangered birds and had no owner. Prosecutors said the cat was the pet of toll-bridge worker, who fed and cared for several strays.

The Associated Press