A man in New South Wales, Australia pleaded guilty to a serious charge after throwing a chicken named “Betty White” into an alligator pen at a wildlife park. The man, 58-year-old Peter Smith, admitted to aggravated animal cruelty, which carries a maximum penalty of two years in prison and a fine of nearly $25,000. Smith’s attorney claimed that his client simply wanted to feed the hungry alligator at Oakvale Farm and Fauna World and referred to the incident as a “very unusual matter.” Despite the attorney’s attempt to downplay the situation, the magistrate emphasized the seriousness of the allegations and the penalties associated with aggravated animal cruelty in New South Wales.
The court heard that Smith had no previous criminal record and was described as a grandfather who grew up in the country and had no ill intentions besides wanting to feed the alligator. Magistrate Kirralee Perry expressed skepticism about the attempt to make light of the situation and reminded both the attorney and the defendant of the severity of the charges. The attorney argued that a significant number of chickens are killed each year, highlighting the commonality of such actions in the food industry. Following Smith’s guilty plea, the case was adjourned until November 20 for sentencing.
According to court documents, the incident took place on January 2 at Oakvale Farm and Fauna World, where Smith allegedly committed the act of aggravated animal cruelty by tossing the chicken into the alligator pen. Witnesses reported the shocking incident to the police, causing distress among families visiting the wildlife park. Oakvale Farm owner Kent Sansom released a statement expressing deep sadness over the death of Betty White, a beloved and hand-raised chicken that played a crucial role in the park’s breeding program for endangered species. Sansom condemned the alleged act of cruelty, noting that it was the first time such an incident had occurred in the park’s 43-year history.
The magistrate reiterated the severity of aggravated animal cruelty as a criminal offense, carrying a maximum penalty of two years imprisonment and a substantial fine. Despite the attorney’s attempt to minimize the situation, the court emphasized the need for accountability and punishment for such acts of cruelty. The upcoming sentencing of Peter Smith will determine the consequences he will face for his actions. The incident highlighted the importance of protecting animals and ensuring their well-being in wildlife parks and sanctuaries, where they should be safe from harm and exploitation. The death of Betty White served as a reminder of the vulnerability of animals in human care and the responsibility to treat them with respect and compassion.
