BY IAN CROUCH
A Singleton grandfather who threw a live chicken into an alligator enclosure at Oakvale Wildlife Park in January has been sentenced in Raymond Terrace Court.
Footage shows 58-year-old Peter Smith placing the silkie bantam chicken known as Betty White inside his buttoned up shirt before walking over to the enclosure and tossing it into the pond in front of horrified onlookers.
One of two alligators inside the enclosure then snapped the hen in its mouth, killing it instantly.
Mr Smith pleaded guilty to one count of aggravated animal cruelty, with the magistrate saying there was a degree of sadism involved.
He's been sentenced to 9 months gaol to be served in the community and ordered to perform 100 hours of community service.
Peter Smith has been sentenced to 9 months gaol for animal cruelty to be served in the community |