A New South Wales, Australia man pleaded guilty to aggravated animal cruelty after tossing a chicken named 'Betty White' into an alligator pen at a wildlife park.
A New South Wales, Australia man pleaded guilty to a serious charge after tossing a beloved and respected chicken named 'Betty White' from a wildlife park, into an alligator pen, simply to feed the reptile, according to reports. Nine News in New South Wales reported that 58-year-old Peter Smith of Hunterview pleaded guilty in Raymond Terrace Court to a single count of aggravated animal cruelty, which has a maximum penalty of two years in prison and a fine of nearly $25,000.
Smith’s criminal record is non-existent, Wrench said, adding his client is a grandfather, grew up in the country and 'just wanted to feed an alligator.' Perry reportedly told Wrench she was not sure making light of the situation was appropriate, saying, 'These are serious allegations.' The magistrate then said aggravated animal cruelty in New South Wales has a maximum penalty of two years imprisonment and a fine of $24,084.
With such stiff penalties, Perry reiterated to the attorney that this was 'nothing to make fun of, then.' Wrench told the magistrate 750 million chickens are killed each year, making clear he was not making light of the situation. After pleading guilty, the judge adjourned the case until Nov. 20, when Smith will be sentenced.
The act occurred between 2:57 and 3:10 p.m. on Jan. 2 at Oakvale Farm and Fauna World. Police responded to reports that the chicken known as 'Betty White' was taken from an enclosure and tossed into the alligator pen, shocking families who witnessed the unplanned feeding. Fox News Digital has reached out to Oakvale Farm for comment.
This is the first time in our 43 years that we have had a member of the public engage in such cruelty in what is an animal sanctuary,' Sansom said in the statement obtained by the station. 'Betty White was hand-raised at the park and had played a crucial role in our endangered species breeding program for the bush stone curlew and other species by providing surrogacy to the chicks.
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