Putnam County Man Faces Charges After Allegedly Shooting Canada Goose

BREWSTER, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) - A Putnam County man apparently tired of goose droppings is in a sticky situation.

Gregory Stefkovic, 44, faces animal cruelty charges and received several summonses after he allegedly shot a Canada Goose, the Putnam County SPCA said.

Stefkovic was spotted with an air rifle near Lake Orsi in Carmel after shooting a goose dead and leaving its body by the shore, the Putnam County SPCA said.

Stefkovic admitted shooting the goose to responding officers, according to the SPCA, saying the geese were leaving too many droppings in the area, making it an issue for the children who play there.

"In New York state, all animals are protected under cruelty statutes," said SPCA Chief Ken Ross. "Injuring or killing any animal, outside of its permitted hunting season, is a crime."

The Putnam County SPCA operates a 24-hour, confidential animal cruelty hotline at (845) 520-6915.

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