A grandfather who threw a live chicken to alligators in front of shocked onlookers, including children, at a wildlife park has expressed remorse as he awaits sentencing.
Peter William Smith, 57, collected a dwarf silkie named Betty White from her enclosure at Oakvale Wildlife Park in Salt Ash, in the Hunter region of New South Wales, on January 2.
Smith, of Singleton, then threw Betty White into a nearby alligator enclosure, where the live animal was mauled to death by the reptiles.
He was charged with committing an act of aggravated animal cruelty, which carries a maximum sentence of two years in prison.
Smith pleaded not guilty in February but changed his plea to guilty on Tuesday when he appeared in Raymond Terrace Local Court. ABC News reported.
Defense attorney Bryan Wrench attempted to downplay the severity of his client’s actions by arguing that Smith was less sensitive to animals because he had grown up in the countryside.
“Mr. Smith gave a chicken to a hungry alligator,” he told the court.
Mr Wrench added that his client was disappointed in himself.
Betty White, the dwarf silkie, was picked up by Smith and thrown to alligators who killed her in front of visitors inside Oakvale Wildlife Park in January.
Peter William Smith, 57, (pictured), pleaded guilty on Tuesday. His lawyer, Bryan Wrench (right), said his client grew up on a farm and was less sensitive to animals.
Magistrate Kirralee Perry described Smith’s actions as serious.
“I don’t think taking this situation lightly is the best strategy,” he said.
Local chicken fancier Julia Davies was present at the court hearing and said she was “horrified” by Mr Wrench’s comments.
“A chicken is more than just a piece of food; it’s actually someone’s pet,” he said.
“There are children who come home, especially children with special needs, and having a chicken sitting on their lap brings them so much joy.”
Oakvale Wildlife Park chief executive Leanne Sansom said Betty White was part of a breeding program for endangered species.
Oakvale Wildlife Park has been operating for 45 years, but its executive director said he had never experienced anything like what happened to Betty White.
Ms Sansom said Betty White’s death had been “distressing”, especially for carers who were close to her.
The chief executive said the wildlife park, which has been operating for 45 years, was relieved the grandfather pleaded guilty.
“We had never experienced anything like this in that period of time. It was horrible,” he said.
Smith will be sentenced in November.