MORRISTOWN, N.J., Feb. 4 (UPI) -- A 67-year-old New Jersey man shot and killed his pet parrot with a BB gun because the bird was annoying him, authorities allege.
The (Newark, N.J.) Star-Ledger reported Dennis Zeglin of Randolph was indicted Tuesday on a count of third-degree animal cruelty for the death of his parrot, Mikey, last June 7.
Authorities allege in court documents Zeglin used a BB gun to shoot the 20-year-old African grey parrot three times.
Authorities maintain Zeglin was drunk and watching a NASCAR event when he became annoyed with the parrot and began firing. Afterward, Zeglin allegedly handed over a Daisy Powerline Model 93 CO2-cartridge BB gun to authorities.
The Star-Ledger said if convicted of the animal cruelty charge, Zeglin would face up to five years in prison and a $15,000 fine.
