A 58-year-old Australian man has pleaded guilty to aggravated animal cruelty after he tossed a chicken named "Betty White" into an alligator pen at a wildlife park. The beloved chicken was an important part of the park's endangered species breeding program, and her death has shocked families and staff.
In a New South Wales, Australia court, 58-year-old Peter Smith pleaded guilty to a single count of aggravated animal cruelty for throwing a hen named "Betty White" into an alligator pen. The incident occurred on January 2, 2024, at Oakvale Farm and Fauna World, shocking families who witnessed the unplanned feeding.
Australian Man Pleads Guilty to Aggravated Animal Cruelty for Tossing Chicken into Alligator Pen
According to court documents, Smith picked up Betty White from an enclosure and threw her into the alligator pen. Police responded to reports that the chicken was stolen from its home and tossed into the pen.
Smith's attorney, Bryan Wrench, argued that his client simply wanted to feed an alligator and that he is a grandfather and lifelong farmer. Magistrate Kirralee Perry, however, expressed that the allegations were serious and that aggravated animal cruelty carries a maximum penalty of two years imprisonment and a $24,084 fine.
Australian Man Pleads Guilty to Aggravated Animal Cruelty for Tossing Chicken into Alligator Pen
Wrench admitted that 750 million chickens are killed each year, emphasizing that he was not making light of the situation. Despite his plea, the judge adjourned the case until November 20, when Smith will be sentenced.
The Silkie breed of chicken, commonly known as Betty White, is renowned for its unusually fluffy plumage, which resembles silk and satin. She was hand-raised at Oakvale Farm and played a vital role in the park's endangered species breeding program, providing surrogacy for bush stone curlew and other species.
Australian Man Pleads Guilty to Aggravated Animal Cruelty for Tossing Chicken into Alligator Pen
Oakvale Farm owner Kent Sansom condemned the incident, stating that Betty White's death has deeply saddened staff and management, especially given that Betty White was an easy target due to her gentle and trusting nature.
The criminal act of aggravated animal cruelty has sparked outrage in New South Wales, with Betty White becoming a symbol of the importance of animal protection and the need for responsible behavior in wildlife parks.
Australian Man Pleads Guilty to Aggravated Animal Cruelty for Tossing Chicken into Alligator Pen
