Connecticut Man Accused Of Shooting Pet Turtle

In this photo made on Wednesday, July 13, 2011, what officials are calling a deformity can be seen on the back of the shell of a green sea turtle called "Peter Pan" as it swims in a containment tank at the Pittsburgh... In this photo made on Wednesday, July 13, 2011, what officials are calling a deformity can be seen on the back of the shell of a green sea turtle called "Peter Pan" as it swims in a containment tank at the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium in Pittsburgh. The turtle was brought to Pittsburgh on Tuesday night, July 12, 2011, from the Florida Aquarium in Tampa, Fla. where it had been undergoing rehabilitation for a condition known as a "floater". When a sea turtle is diagnosed as a floater, it means the animal is unable to remain submerged for a long period of time, according to Josie Romasco, zoo aquarist. Allen McDowell, assistant curator of aquatic life at the Pittsburgh aquarium said vets treating the turtle believe the "floating" condition was caused by the deformity they speculate was caused by a shark bite. The plan is for the turtle to continue rehabilitative care in Pittsburgh as part of the Zoo’s Sea Turtle Second Chance program and to help make space available in Florida to treat other animals discovered in that area. The hope is it can recover enough to be released back to sea. (AP Photo/Keith Srakocic) MORE LESS
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STONINGTON, Conn. (AP) — Authorities say a Connecticut man shot to death his girlfriend’s pet turtle.

Sgt. Louis Diamanti, Stonington’s animal control officer, says 31-year-old Steven Richard used a BB gun rifle to shoot the turtle in the head Friday night outside a home.

Police had responded after a neighbor reported an argument between Richard and the woman who lives in the house. They discovered the dead turtle in the yard.

Police say Richard did not explain why he shot the pet. A phone listed for Richard had been disconnected Monday. He was released on a promise to appear Aug. 4 in court on a charge of cruelty to animals.

Diamanti says he does not know what type of turtle it was.

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  1. I am willing to bet she’s not his girlfriend anymore.

  2. So, who’s gonna be the Senate Minority Leader now?

  3. damm… you were to fast for me ya wascally wabbit…

  4. I guess this “story” is one of those targeting TPM’s general audience…or something.

Continue the discussion at forums.talkingpointsmemo.com

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