A Dania Beach man, annoyed by a group of birds perched on his palm tree, was arrested by Broward Sheriff's Office deputies for shooting and killing one of the birds.
The incident was witnessed by two young girls while they were out riding their bicycles. The youngsters, 10 and 12 years old, were riding in the area of 4700 block SW 43 Avenue when they saw 42-year-old James Stephens shoot a Quaker parakeet down from an electrical wire. The 12-year-old girl picked up the injured and bleeding bird from the ground. It died in her hand. At that point, she looked up and saw Stephens pointing the BB gun at her young friend, and yelled for her to get out of the way. The girls escaped without injury and ran home to tell their parents.
BSO was notified of the possible animal abuse, and went to question Stephens. He admitted to shooting the bird and handed his �BB air rifle� over to deputies for evidence. Stephens said he was frustrated because the birds defecate on his patio. However, Stephens denied pointing the rifle in the direction of the girls.
Stephens was transported to the BSO Main Jail and booked on one count each of Cruelty to Animals (causing cruel death, pain and suffering) and Aggravated Assault with a deadly weapon without intent to kill. His bond has been set at $12,500. The bird was taken to the Wild Life Care Center.
Investigators: Abuse & Neglect Det. T. Guaglione, CI and Dep. J. Valcarcel, Dist. 2 Neighborhood MapFor more information about the Interactive Animal Cruelty Maps, see the map notes.
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