Deseret News | Did man kick, stomp a pheasant to death?

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Did man kick, stomp a pheasant to death?

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N. Cameron Leishman | 12:29 a.m. Oct. 31, 2007

"Lawyer's View" is absolutely on point. The portion of the Utah Code that deals with this (Section 76-9-301) states the person must commit animal cruelty "intentionally, knowingly, recklessly, or with criminal negligence." The video does not prove any of those conclusively. Ethico-moral-social speculation aside, nothing wrong occurred. Do your homework before you call for charges, resignation, etc.

The Truth | 2:07 a.m. Oct. 31, 2007

I talked to the Pheasant's family and they said the Pheasant was very depressed and told the family it was going to the game to end it all.

Fact Check | 10:27 a.m. Oct. 31, 2007

Yeah, I heard that same thing. His family said that ever since his tail feathers were clipped he didn't have the same swagger as before. He's in a better place. I am extremely relieved to know that lawyers are taking the time to share their professional opinions though, and that people are looking up Utah code dealing with animal cruelty regarding the matter. Matlock will be please to know he can sit this one out!

Comments continue below

Matt S. | 10:58 a.m. Oct. 31, 2007

Details about the perpetrator behind this heinous crime. Married 25 years to the same woman. Father of 5. Grandfather of 3. Respected in the community, professionally, and at church. Volunteers as a youth coach, 15 straight years, even without kids on the team. Also, the favorite uncle to my 2 young boys. 6'2" tall, 300+, recent back surgery. If the 17 year old football players couldn't catch this bird, how did this grandfather? You never had an "eek" moment? Looked to me like he "tried" to get out of the way. He holds professional licenses in his career, and simply being accused of a crime could result in the loss of his job. I sure hope all of you are happy with the "public outcry" that led to the charges. Congratulations. I'm sickened about it...mostly about the way it has hurt him and his family. Too bad you don't know him, if you did, and you ever needed help, he'd be the first guy there.

Play On! | 11:23 a.m. Oct. 31, 2007

Pheasants ARE fast. They shouldn't have even paused the game. They should have just ignored the bird and played on. It would have gotten out of the way on its own.

The only reason this happened is because the referee made it into an interruption. He should take some of the blame. Wildlife typically do just fine taking care of themselves. Only rarely do they need our "help".

Anonymous | 11:33 a.m. Oct. 31, 2007

I noticed alot of talk about pheasants on here. I was hoping that someone may have seen my pheasant. I recently lost him. He was last seen in the American Fork area. I called the local news but all they wanted to talk about was some guy and a bird. I tried to call national news, seems there is a war going on in the Middle East and were not interested in my pheasant. I dont know if the local news was aware of this.

To Matt S. | 1:26 p.m. Oct. 31, 2007

Matt, I am very sorry to hear about this. I saw the video on the news last night and that is exactly what I saw, him trying to get out of the way. If I was a juror that's how I would vote. It's too bad that some people are idiots. If the animal control people have to go after someone, go after the kids period.

To Orson | 2:34 p.m. Oct. 31, 2007

It wasn't hunting season! Give me a break!

Poor Bird | 3:23 p.m. Oct. 31, 2007

This was a very evil deed. We know the bird will go to heaven, but what about the coach?

Who ever? | 3:30 p.m. Oct. 31, 2007

Why don't you post all the comments on this site that come in to you? Sounds like you like baseball! The comments are not bad that come in to you. Have a heart for the little pheasant--MAN!

Very Sad | 3:49 p.m. Oct. 31, 2007

I love birds and I know they have feelings. It's quite sad for the small pheasant bird that was murdered in cold blood. He didn't deserve to be stomped to death in front of so many people. This is very bad behavior for our children to witness, and such cruel actions of an adult.

I am in mourning for all torchered animals.

Pheasant Murder | 5:18 p.m. Oct. 31, 2007

I didn't realize there were so many people out there who have no feelings or respect for life. Even if it was just a small pheasant bird, and not as great as you? I'm certain God loved this small bird that he had created. God gave it life for a purpose and reason and not to be stomped to death in front of so many children and families.. Whatever has happened to respecting others, including animals? I'm very sad for what I am reading.

To Lawyer, | 6:23 p.m. Oct. 31, 2007

Are we missing something or is there some education needed here?

Respecting animals | 7:25 p.m. Oct. 31, 2007

If a person can't respect the life of a animal, he certainly can't respect the life of a human any better. There are some very cruel comments on this site. I'm wondering why our world has grown so very cold? Thank goodness, there are no genuine religious people on this site... They would be appalled at what they would be reading.

Ouch | 8:55 p.m. Oct. 31, 2007

"There is increasing research and clinical evidence which suggests that there are sometimes inter-relationships, commonly referred to as ï¿½linksï¿½, between the abuse of children, vulnerable adults and animals. A better understanding of these links can help to protect victims, both human and animal, and promote their welfare."

Increased sensitivity for those less powerful than ourselves is the true mark of nobility and decency - whether they are women, children, dogs, cats, or pheasants.

The callousness expressed on this site is truly disturbing, and is a bad omen for domestic violence in some of our Utah communities.

Anonymous | 9:21 p.m. Oct. 31, 2007

SHHHHHHH! Please!!! I hunt, I eat my beef, nothing better than some crab. After each one of these activities I go home to my wife and kids and have a great time with them. I'm sure if this was an accident or if it was on purpose this man is probably a good man with a great family. I'll be honest with you if a train was coming and I could save only my wife or my pet anything I would choose my wife. If I saw you and I had to choose between you and my pet I would choose a human. Animals aren't humans and if people think they are than they are crazy. The beef we eat goes through worse than that pheasant does so lets chill a lil bit. This guy is no Mike Vick.

To N. Cameron Leishman | 10:37 a.m. Nov. 1, 2007

No it was NOT the AF coach that threw the bird over then fense! get your facts straight! All AF coaches were still standing on the sideline while this all happened! Nice try on turning this around on American Fork!

Best Joke | 11:12 a.m. Nov. 1, 2007

One of the AF assistant principles that helped chase the bird to the side lines came to school on halloween dressed as a pheasant hunter.

Mike | 11:29 a.m. Nov. 1, 2007

i personally know the kids that threw the bird on the field. They do admit in doing it, and saying that it was dumb. When people keep saying that they need to be prosecuted to the fullest extent of law blows this way out of proportion. This was just a stupid high school prank that caused someone to do a stupid thing.
By the way, the school has already taken action with the boys, and thats all that should. The most that should happen to these boys has already happened. Since the coach is over 18, he should be the one in the most trouble. Im not saying he should be put in jail, but a small fine would suffice.

Coward | 11:41 a.m. Nov. 1, 2007

I hate cowards! This was no accident! Give me a break! Watch the film!

Stupid | 3:42 p.m. Nov. 1, 2007

This is absolutly rediculous. I think its stupid that the guy is getting charged more than the idiots who let the bird out onto the field. The people who let bird out on the field did more harm than the guy who TRIPPED over the bird. This is so dumb!!!!

Ok | 5:34 p.m. Nov. 1, 2007

...then give the little bird a break. He meant no harm to anyone, but he is dead and we are all still squaking!! However, God knows each one of our genuine loving hearts, and God knows where we are all headed in the end.

Have a great day everyone!

To Coward | 10:25 a.m. Nov. 2, 2007

And the rest of you tree huggers. It sicken's me that you put more worth in a stupid bird then you do in a human life. Yes, Human Life. Should this person lose a job reputation, etc. You need some serious help and should seek it.

erik f | 11:09 a.m. Nov. 3, 2007

uuummmmmmmmmmmm
No disrepect to the fine people of Utah, but we eat pheasants in Iowa on a pretty regular basis. They're quite yummy. Hope someone got to take it home for a meal. You guys make me laugh

Appalled! | 11:47 a.m. Nov. 3, 2007

I think it is just fine if we eat the animal that we have killed if it is meant ONLY for FOOD consumption, but not just to kill the animal for the fun and games. It is very evil to kill any kind of animal just for fun, including humans. However, usually if a persaon can kill a animal for the fun of it, than the next step for a perpetrator is that of an unfortunate human that may get in their way. These people need to be taken off the street. I'm in complete sympathy for the wasted life of the poor small helpless Pheasant.

Sorry for Bird :(( | 12:05 p.m. Nov. 3, 2007

It's fine to eat animals for food consumption only!.. but not just to kill an animal for sport and games. This is not Gods Plan for them. Perhaps the animals out there feel the same same way about you and me, and that we might make a good dinner as well for them. In Some counties people eat dogs and cats, who are our everyday house pets. If the animal is meant for food then fine!.. But for someone just to take an animals life for pleasure, than I would say this is quite evil! God knows each of our hearts and intent.

Deseret News | 1:27 p.m. Nov. 3, 2007

Thank you for letting us speakout about the Pheasant.

Idahoan | 7:33 a.m. Nov. 9, 2007

77 posts on a stupid bird. Don't you guys have anything better to talk about in Utah.

Robin | 5:49 p.m. Nov. 12, 2007

This blog is in be-half of a small bird (Pheasant) who was killed for no reason.. and not to be eaten. Only to be tossed in a trash can with garbage :-((

the one | 9:18 p.m. Nov. 12, 2007

honestly if you any of you were there i garuntee that you would be laughing hysterically if you saw a pheasant being chased on a football field by referees and players. just admit it

Ahhhhhh! | 6:29 p.m. Nov. 13, 2007

THE ONE/ That was quit heartless to say the least. Although I did view the film and I saw the grins on the ball players faces. Very sad

Pheasant | 3:28 p.m. Nov. 14, 2007

I'm in a better place now and I'm living with God. He loves me and he loves birds. God has made me one of his top Pheasants. So please know everyone, that I loved living on earth with my feathered family, but I am in a much better place. No body up here stomps on birds so I'm safe...thank heaven!

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