The Pennsylvania Game Commission Southeast Region announced two snowmobile riders have been charged with animal cruelty after allegedly admitting to harassing a red fox in Heidelberg Township on January 20.
Myerstown resident, Jeffrey S. Horst, 20 faces six charges, including animal cruelty, conspiracy to commit animal cruelty, driving or disturbing game. The incident occurred in a field near Route 501. When interviewed by authorities, Horst admitted to seeing two red foxes and chasing them for approximately three minutes. During the chase one fox was able to run away; the defendant chased the other fox and although he had not hit it, that was the intention.
The 17-year-old, not identified here because of his age has been charged also. Because of his age, the allegations will be filed with county juvenile probation. The allegation and court proceedings for juveniles are sealed from the public.
According to Operation Game Thief, Pennsylvania Game Commission, the state game warden’s investigation suggested the fox was being chased through the field for more than 30 minutes by two individuals operating snowmobiles. The suspects ran over the fox multiple times with their snowmobiles during the horrific incident.
The Lebanon County District Attorney Pier Hess Graf stated it had been the two snowmobilers intention to run over the fox.
It is not known what happened to the fox after the incident, but experts say the wild animal had likely been out in the bitter cold and snow searching for food, and the defendants had no right at all to annoy wild animals. Optimistic wildlife officials think the fox survived its harrowing experience.
The cruelty to animals and the conspiracy charges will probably wind up with a probation sentence. The offenses under the game code, accompanies fines and a revocation and inability to apply for a hunting license. Both individuals had hunting licenses.
Check out the disturbing video:
The incident sparked outrage to the community, and a reward of more than $11,000 had been offered. It had been the tremendous social media pressure that likely led to the defendants turning themselves into authorities.
A hearing for Horst is scheduled for March 6.
THANK YOU for being a conservation hero and helping to protect Pennsylvania’s wildlife and resources by reporting incidents like this.
As a reminder, you can call the Operation Game Thief toll-free hotline 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year at 1-888-PGC-8001 or you can fill out the online form at http://bit.ly/3HbMYvH.
Read original coverage of this story here.
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