Florida Man Faces Felony Charge After Killing and Eating Pet Peacocks

A Florida man has been arrested and charged with a felony. The incident involved his own pet peacocks. The 61-year-old from Hudson killed and consumed two of the birds. This happened last week in Pasco County.

According to the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office, the man was taken into custody. He now faces a third-degree felony charge of aggravated animal cruelty. The arrest affidavit details a disturbing sequence of events.

Neighbor Dispute Led to Peacock Killing

The man admitted to killing the birds out of spite. He told investigators his neighbor kept feeding the peacocks. This angered him enough to take extreme action.

He wrote a letter to the neighbor. In it, he stated he would continue to kill his pets if she kept feeding them. His goal was to “prove a point.” The affidavit did not specify how many peacocks he owned originally.

The man described the killing process to deputies. He said he cut the bird’s neck and bled it out. He then cooked the peacock in a frying pan and ate it.

Legal Repercussions and Ongoing Threat

The charge of aggravated animal cruelty is a serious offense in Florida. It carries potential prison time and fines. The case highlights the state’s strict laws against animal mistreatment.

While being transported to jail, the man made a threatening statement. He told deputies he would kill all his remaining peacocks upon release. He said this would prevent anyone from taking them away.

The Pasco County Sheriff’s Office has not provided an update on the other birds. Their current status and location are unknown. An online docket shows no attorney is yet listed for the man.

This case underscores that severe animal cruelty is a felony crime with serious consequences, a fact this Florida man is now confronting directly.

Info at your fingertips

What was the Florida man charged with?

He was charged with a third-degree felony. The specific charge is aggravated animal cruelty. This follows his admission of killing and eating his pet peacocks.

Why did the man kill his peacocks?

He killed them because of a dispute with his neighbor. The neighbor was feeding the birds. He said he did it to “prove a point.”

How many peacocks were involved?

The man killed and ate two of his pet peacocks. The official affidavit did not state the total number of birds he owned. The fate of the remaining peacocks is currently unknown.

What is the penalty for this charge in Florida?

Aggravated animal cruelty is a third-degree felony in Florida. Potential penalties include prison time and significant fines. The legal process is now underway.

Did the man show any remorse?

The arrest report suggests otherwise. He reportedly told deputies he would kill all his remaining peacocks upon his release. This was to prevent them from being taken.

Trusted Sources

Pasco County Sheriff’s Office Affidavit, Hindustan Times