SPRINGFIELD, MA (WSHM) -
A 64-year-old man was arrested after Springfield police said he tried to kill a hawk Tuesday morning.
Police said the hawk was nearly beaten to death near the intersection of Pearl and Federal Streets. Officials said the hawk was on the ground feeding on a pigeon when two police officers who stopped to take its picture couldn't believe what unfolded before their eyes.
"I noticed a large log being thrown, striking the hawk in the head," said Officer Michael Goggin. "(I saw a man) attempt to kill the bird by stomping it. He had on work boots. He was also striking the bird with what appeared to be a candlestick holder."
The accused bird abuser is 64-year-old George McKenzie, of Springfield. In District Court Tuesday afternoon, McKenzie pleaded not guilty to animal cruelty charges.
When Goggin and his partner intervened and arrested McKenzie, environmental and state police were called to assist.
"The bird actually flew away when they were attempting to secure it," Goggin said.
Tom French, the assistant director for the Massachusetts Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, said the red-tailed hawk is about a year old. French said environmental police officers said its wings were injured during the attack.
Goggin said McKenzie didn't comment on his motive for beating the bird.
"Apparently (McKenzie) thought this was OK and just wanted to go home."
Instead, McKenzie was taken to the police station, then to court in handcuffs. Police said they hope the accused bird beater learns his lesson.
"(The hawk) had difficulty breathing," said Goggin. "I thought it was going to be dead shortly. Apparently it regained consciousness and was able to fly away."
State experts said the bird has been released back into the wild. It was able to fly on its own and is expected to make a full recovery. The red-tailed hawk is the most common hawk you'd see in Massachusetts. State experts said all hawks are completely protected under state and federal law.
McKenzie will be back in court on June 17.
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George McKenzie
