Image: Grace Johnson/befunky
by GRACE JOHNSON
A man has been charged after plucking a chicken from its enclosure in a wildlife park and throwing it to alligators, resulting in the chicken’s death.
The 57-year-old was taken to Singleton Police Station, northwest of Newcastle, where he was told he’d have to attend court for committing an act of aggravated cruelty upon an animal.
The offence happened at Oakvale Wildlife Park, owned by the Sansom family in Salt Ash, Port Stephens.
Kent Sansom released a statement about the incident, saying management and staff were deeply upset about the loss of Betty White (the chicken).
“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,” Mr Sansom said.
“Betty White was hand-raised at the park and had played a crucial role in our endangered species breeding programme for the bush stone curlew and other species by providing surrogacy to the chicks.
“Her quiet nature means she would not hesitate to approach a customer for some animal pellets, making her an easy target for a ruthless perpetrator.”
The chicken was devoured as families and children watched on in horror.
The family-run wildlife park is committed to animal welfare, habitat preservation, and breeding programs for endangered species. Education initiatives also aim to foster an appreciation for wildlife.
“This incident underscores the importance of our collective responsibility to protect and respect the animals that share our planet,” said Mr Sansom.
The perpetrator will appear before court in February.
