A New Mexico man is facing possible federal charges after he admitted shooting a trained hawk. 18-year-old William Hefley was arrested on an extreme cruelty to animals charge for shooting and killing a five-year-old Harris Hawk valued at $3,000.
Luna County Sheriff's investigator Israel Saenz said Hefley told deputies he shot the bird while out to kill a family dog that was old.
The owner of the hawk holds a registered Falconry Permit and apparently raised the hawk from a young age after being given permission to rescue it in Texas.
Investigators said the case is being turned over to the New Mexico Game and Fish Department.
It was unclear if Hefley had an attorney.
___
Information from: Headlight, http://www.demingheadlight.com
Copyright 2012 The Associated Press.