California golfer arrested for animal cruelty after running over a goose with his golf cart and throwing it in a dumpster

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On the golf course, you accept that you share the right of way with local wildlife. This is obvious enough when it’s a venomous snake, bear or alligator—Billy Horschel showed us the proper way to redirect the latter last week—but what happens when it’s not a fair fight, like say with a goose?

Geese can be a nuisance and they aren’t exactly pushovers, as some golfers have learned the hard way, but they are just as much a part of a golf course as that pesky tree that sits between your ball and the green. They should be given a wide berth when possible and treated with respect. Unfortunately, one California golfer didn’t get the memo and is now paying the price after being arrested for animal cruelty following a sickening attack on two geese at Chaparral Country Club last week.

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According to NBC Palm Springs, Michael McCutcheon of Palm Desert, Ca. was taken into custody this week after he reportedly chased down two geese with his golf cart on the course’s 5th hole. He struck one of the geese with the cart before beating it with his golf club. He then took the injured goose and threw it in a dumpster while still alive. A worker found the bird the following morning, which had to be euthanized due to the extent of its injuries

Nearby residents, including Betsy Patterson, who spoke to NBC Palm Springs about the incident, were outraged over the news, calling it “unconscionable,” “malicious” and “beyond my comprehension.” Legal efforts are underway, with locals calling for the strictest possible penalties and urging Chaparral Country Club to levy private sanctions, such as a fine or lifetime ban from the golf course.

McCutcheon was released on bond following his arrest, but that’s far from the end of this story. California Penal Code Section 597(A) – Animal Cruelty is defined as “wobbler” under California law, meaning it can be tried as both a misdemeanor or felony depending on the circumstances. If convicted of a felony violation, McCutcheon could face fines totaling $20,000 and up to three years in prison.

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This article was originally published on golfdigest.com