Two Hondurans Arrested For Killing And Planning To Eat Bald Eagle
According to the Stanton County Sheriff’s Office, two 20-year-old Honduran nationals are facing criminal charges after killing and possessing a dead North American Bald Eagle. Officials claim the two men had intentions of cooking and eating the protected national bird, as well as potentially cutting off the feet for ornamental purposes.
Ramiro Hernandez-Tziquin and Domingo Zetino-Hernandez were charged with unlawful possession of a the U.S national bird earlier this month after being arrested for shooting it down in Stanton, Nebraska. One of the individuals was cited for not having a drivers license. Both men only spoke Spanish, and due the circumstances law enforcement believe they were in the country illegally.
“Everybody around here obviously is very disappointed that this happened,” Stanton County Sheriff Mike Unger told CNN. “Some of the citizens are quite upset.”
The Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act of 1940 protects the North American Bald Eagle by prohibiting hunting and killing of the bird, taking any body parts, nests or eggs. Nebraska Game and Parks confiscated the eagle and the rifle used to kill the bird.
The punishment for violating The Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act of 1940 can result in a $10,000 fine and imprisonment for one year. Additional charges against the two men on this matter are possible pending further investigation from federal authorities.
