Dumb Criminal of the Day: Farmer Spray-Paints Hawks Pink for Fun

Finding a new species is an exciting prospect to most wildlife enthusiasts. Birdwatchers in New Zealand thought they had done just that when they started seeing a new species of hawk back in 2009. A 'pink' hawk to be exact.

The birdwatchers excitement grew as they started seeing more and more of the birds with pink feathers. Their joy was short-lived after one of the birds was hit by a car.

Upon closer inspection, they found out here was no new species, someone had been spray-painting the hawks pink.

That someone turned out to be a farmer named Grant Teahan. He allegedly was spray painting the birds (and other animals) for fun. He had video and pictures of some of his handy-work, including a cow on which he had spray painted the words, “Merry Christmas.”

He was arrested and found guilty of two charges of ill-treating animals.

Who punks a birdwatcher?!

[Herald Sun]

Photo by contemplicity, Flickr.

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