By The newspaper
Aug 24, 2023, 21:02 PM EDT
An incident at the Putnam County Golf Course in Mahopac, New York has led to the arrest of a golfer on charges of animal cruelty.
The individual allegedly bludgeoned a Canada goose to death with a golf club in an attempt to “end the bird’s suffering,” prompting legal action and public outcry, Fox 5 NY reports.
Last week, witnesses reported that a golfer struck a Canada goose with a golf ball during a game at the Putnam County Golf Course, apparently injuring the animal.
Rather than seek proper help for the injured bird, the golfer decided to take matters into his own hands. According to Ken Ross, head of the county’s Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA), the golfer attempted to euthanize the goose, believing he was badly injured.
A misguided attack on the goose led to legal action
A vet who examined the bird’s remains determined that the goose likely had survived being struck by the golf ball and was simply in a daze, according to Fox 5.
Witnesses recounted that “the golfer initially hit the goose as if he were chopping wood,” only to realize the bird was still moving. He then dealt a final and fatal blow.
Ken Ross emphasized that none of the people involved were veterinarians and they lacked the experience to accurately assess the extent of the bird’s injuries.
Meanwhile, the SPCA chief noted that alternatives were available, such as contacting the authorities or seeking professional veterinary care.
A golfer is accused of beating a Canada Goose to death Friday at the Putnam County Golf Course. Per the county SPCA, witnesses said the goose was struck by a ball & dazed when the golfer approached & beat it with his club. He will be arraigned 9/12, by the SPCA. @CBSNewYork pic.twitter.com/MWn6FmDv4M
— Tim McNicholas (@TimMcNicholas) August 21, 2023
Charges against golfer
As a result of the incident, the golfer now faces charges of excessive driving, torture and injury to animals, classified as a Class A misdemeanor.
The arraignment against the golfer is scheduled for September 12. Closer examination of the goose’s carcass revealed that the initial hit of the golf ball had caused swelling in the bird’s chest, an injury that would not have been fatal.
However, X-rays revealed the terrible truth: the force of the golf club had severed the goose’s head from its spine. This discovery led the authorities to make the decision to arrest the golfer accused of animal cruelty.
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