Reward offered in case of bird's maiming (UT)

[Donna]

I have no tolerance for animal cruelty. It is senseless and completely unnecessary. That's why I'm dedicating my column to The Humane Society of the United States and The Humane Society Wildlife Land Trust that are offering a reward of up to $2,500 for information leading to the identification, arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for illegally plucking out the tail feathers of an injured golden eagle.

I broke the story Sunday on TheSpectrum.com and followed up with an article in Tuesday's print edition of the newspaper. To catch people up to speed who may not be aware of the case, on the weekend of Feb. 27, a golden eagle was hit by a car on state Route 50, just west of Salina. The male eagle, estimated to be 5- to 6-years-old, received injuries that include lacerations, bruising and a severe concussion. A representative from the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources transported the eagle in a dog carrier to Martin Tyner, raptor rehabilitator and founder of the Southwest Wildlife Foundation.

The eagle had a band that Tyner was able to trace to Montana. During Tyner's assessment of the bird's band information, his wife Susan asked him what happened to its tail. Tyner examined the eagle and discovered all the tail feathers had been forcibly removed. Anyone found responsible for the heinous act may face up to a year in prison and fines of up to $100,000 because golden eagles are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act.

DWR Lt. Scott Dalebout said in a press release the case is being actively investigated in partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. These agencies need the public's help so please call with information about this case to the Help Stop Poaching hotline at 1-800-662-DEER (3337).

I don't think I could have said it any better than Kelly Peterson, HSUS Western Regional Director, so I will share her words: "The individual or individuals responsible for this callous act have an appalling disregard for both golden eagles and the laws in place to protect this iconic species. The Humane Society of the United States applauds the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources for their tireless work to find those responsible for this serious crime."

The only comment I'd like to add is appreciation to Tyner for his efforts to preserve the wildlife of Southern Utah. Thank you, Martin.

[MAK]

What the &%#$ is wrong with people?!

[valhalla]

What the &%#$ is wrong with people?!

I'm convinced they are a sub-species that is missing the human gene.

[Bird Crazy]

 

They are not human, they look like us but they are some alien species.

The article doesn't say how the eagle is. Will he live did he die?

[Dot_Forrester]

Some (alleged) people are even lower than sub-human! Does anyone know if this eagle's tail feathers will eventually grow back in again?

Dot in PA

[Annette]

Does anyone know if this eagle's tail feathers will eventually grow back in again?

During next molt.

[Tokira]

I have no tolerance for animal cruelty. It is senseless and completely unnecessary. That's why I'm dedicating my column to The Humane Society of the United States and The Humane Society Wildlife Land Trust that are offering a reward of up to $2,500 for information leading to the identification, arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for illegally plucking out the tail feathers of an injured golden eagle.<snip>
DWR Lt. Scott Dalebout said in a press release the case is being actively investigated in partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. These agencies need the public's help so please call with information about this case to the Help Stop Poaching hotline at 1-800-662-DEER (3337).

I don't think I could have said it any better than Kelly Peterson, HSUS Western Regional Director,  <snip>

Once again, the H$U$ manages to get its name in the papers by inferring that it is connected with a case.  Just as in the case of the Michael Vick dogs, H$U$ infers an association with a case in which it is in no way involved, to garner yet *more money*
Kudos to the Utah DWR and US Fish and Wildlife for their REAL assistance in investigating this nasty incident, and Boos to H$U$ for yet another trip aboard others' coattails.
Carol
WV