When a Canada goose was beaten to death on a golf course in Putnam County, New York, it looked like the perpetrator would be held accountable. Sadly, the outcome is extremely disappointing. Despite our calls for the strongest possible prosecution, the individual responsible has received an Adjourned Court Decision (ACD), meaning the charges will be dismissed if he stays out of trouble for a specified time.

In August 2023, a Canada goose was resting on the Putnam County Golf Course in New York and had been peacefully minding their own business when they were accidentally struck by a golf ball, leaving them momentarily stunned. Carmel resident Enrico Sarli, who was on the course at the time, allegedly approached the dazed goose and, in a shocking act of cruelty, beat the bird to death with a golf club in a misguided and brutal attempt at “euthanasia.”

Despite appearing dazed and struggling to stand, experts believe the goose likely would have made a full recovery if taken to a wildlife rehabilitator. Instead, Sarli mercilessly struck the goose multiple times, claiming he was ending their suffering and had done nothing wrong. Witnesses report seeing Sarli walk away after repeatedly beating the bird, only to return and take more swings when he saw the goose was still alive, finally killing them. After the incident, Sarli and his friends shockingly continued their game of golf.

A veterinarian's examination of the goose’s body, including X-rays, revealed that the force of the beating had separated the bird’s head from the spine. While the goose’s chest showed signs of swelling from the impact of the golf ball, veterinarians concluded that recovery was likely.

Enrico Sarli escaped any meaningful punishment. Despite delivering our petition signed by over 14,000 people to Putnam County District Attorney Mackenzie Ferguson, Sarli wasn’t sentenced to any jail or even community service. This won’t even appear on his criminal record if he manages to refrain from committing other crimes for a short while. The only slight penalty faced by Sarli was that he was required to pay the Putnam Humane Society a small fine. The resolution of this case leaves much to be desired, especially considering the horrific nature of this senseless crime. This goose could have recovered with basic care and compassion, but instead, they were met with violence.

If you’re as unhappy about this result as we are, make your opinion known. Please be polite!

You can email Mackenzie Ferguson here: mackenzie.ferguson@putnamcountyny.gov

You can call this number: (845) 808-1050

While justice was not served in this case, we remain steadfast in our commitment to advocating for animal victims of cruelty like this Canada goose. Donations to assist us in this type of work are always appreciated.

Please take a moment to learn more about how we specifically work to protect geese and other waterfowl from horrific “roundups” by government agencies and please donate to support our work to help them. Thank you.