WASHINGTON, D.C. — The one-day jail sentence handed down to a Virginia man who admitted to killing 20 juvenile bald eagles and hawks is “anemic and embarrassing” in light of the severity and scale of this crime against federally protected birds, according to Wayne Pacelle, president of Animal Wellness Action and the Center for a Humane Economy.
“A one-day sentence for killing 20 bald eagles and hawks is no deterrent at all for people who disregard our wildlife protection and conservation laws,” said Pacelle. “This is a pathetic response to a serious case of poaching and cruelty. It also must be deflating to the conservation officers who spent months seeking a perpetrator and justice in this case.”
Federal and state authorities found the birds — many of them eagles — dead in a rural Virginia location after a months-long investigation. Despite clear evidence of mass killing and violations of the Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act and the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, the defendant, William Custis Smith, received a sentence of just 24 hours behind bars.
Prosecutors and judges must do better. In addition, Animal Wellness Action is urging the U.S. Department of Justice and lawmakers to revisit enforcement standards and sentencing guidelines for wildlife crimes. Stronger penalties and consistent prosecution are essential to deter future violations and to honor the public’s investment in species recovery and conservation.