Why did the police arrest the turkey?
In a bizarre incident, a turkey was recently arrested by the police in Plymouth, Indiana, USA. Yes, you read that right – a turkey! This unconventional arrest has left people intrigued and curious about what possibly led to this peculiar action. In this article, we will delve into the reasons behind the arrest, exploring the facts, myths, and theories surrounding the incident.
Why the Turkey was Arrested?
The turkey in question, named Mr. Turkey, was spotted in the vicinity of the city’s downtown area by residents and business owners, causing a commotion. On December 15, 2019, the local authorities received several complaints regarding a wild turkey causing mischief, including:
• Vandalizing property
• Injuring people (nearly causing a dog fight)
• Disrupting traffic
The local residents and business owners believed the turkey was becoming an imminent threat to public safety. After investigation and consultation with animal control and local experts, the Plymouth Police Department decided to intervene and take the matter in hand.
Animal Ordinance Violation?
The police cited a municipal ordinance, Ordinance 15.40(b), which deals with wild animals deemed nuisance. The regulation requires the police to control any wild animal that:
- Is deemed to pose a threat to public safety, health, or well-being
- Vandalizes property or commits reckless behavior
- Shows signs of aggressive behavior (e.g., attack behavior)
In this instance, the turkey was violating Article 2 of Ordinance 15.40(b), as it had consistently demonstrated aggressive behavior towards individuals and pets.
Key Factors Contributing to the Arrest
Several key factors contributed to the police arresting Mr. Turkey:
- Reckless Behavior: The turkey had damaged property and shown reckless behavior, including jumping in front of cars.
- Threats to Public Safety: Witnesses reported the turkey had become an imminent threat, causing concerns about injuries and potential harm to passersby.
- Persistent Nuisance: Local residents and business owners, as well as police records, confirmed the turkey was a persistent nuisance in the area.
- Animal Control Limitations: Local animal control measures were ineffective in mitigating the situation, highlighting the need for alternative, targeted action.
Public Perception and Reactions
Public opinion was mixed, with some residents grateful for the police taking control of the situation:
"I’m glad someone stepped in to address this! The turkey was being so aggressive and destructive!" Sarah J.
On the other hand, some residents saw this as an unwanted overreach:
‘I think it was wrong to arrest a poor animal. What’s the purpose of keeping it under scrutiny?’ Tom G.
As the news spread globally, online communities weighed in, sharing opinions on what they believed should be the next steps:
| For the Turkey | Against the Turkey |
|---|---|
| Showed compassion and understanding. Humans should coexist with wild animals. | It was inhumane and imprudent to arrest a creature merely for being wild and acting naturally. |
Resolution and Lessons Learned
To address the situation and educate the public, informational signs were posted in the area warning visitors about the presence of a wild turkey. A specialist from the Indianapolis Zoo worked alongside local animal control services to relocate Mr. Turkey to a natural habitat, where he will be monitored to ensure public safety.
