FLORIDA — A 61-year-old Hudson man has been charged with felony animal cruelty after killing and eating two of his pet peacocks, then leaving a letter for his neighbor describing his actions.
According to the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office, Craig Vogt was in a dispute with his neighbor, who he claimed was feeding the peacocks. The neighbor contacted authorities after finding Vogt’s letter in her mailbox, in which he admitted to killing and eating the birds and threatened to continue if she didn’t stop feeding them.
Deputies said Vogt confirmed the account during questioning, telling officers he slit the birds’ throats and cooked one in a frying pan. While being taken to jail, he reportedly said he planned to kill the rest of his peacocks to prevent anyone else from taking custody of them.
Vogt was arrested on September 23 and charged with aggravated animal cruelty causing excessive pain or death.
Although peacocks are considered an invasive species in Florida, state law protects all animals under its anti-cruelty statute. The investigation is ongoing.
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