By CHRISTINE BOATWRIGHT / Staff Writer

The preliminary hearing for a former University of Montevallo student who allegedly dismembered and hung cats on UM’s campus was moved to next year.

Christian Todd Slaton, 19, was originally scheduled to appear before Shelby County Circuit Judge Dan Reeves Dec. 12, but according to a Nov. 30 court order from Reeves, the case has been continued until Feb. 6 at 8:30 a.m.

According to court documents, Slaton allegedly tortured and skinned a cat, which was found in a wooded area near Falcon Manor Apartments. The documents also stated Slaton allegedly “hung up for display” a skinned animal near a flagpole in the middle of Main Quad. Another cat was “dismembered and found on the lawn of Flowerhill,” according to court documents.

Slaton was arrested and charged Nov. 6. Slaton was charged with four counts of animal cruelty first degree, and posted bond from the Shelby County Jail the same day in the amount of $20,000.