People were horrified when news emerged from Western Australia that a man had ripped the head off a kookaburra at a pub.
What was the cause? Well, according to 9News, the man involved was angry because Kevin the kookaburra nicked a bit of his food off his plate at the Parkerville Tavern just outside of Perth.
The bloke grabbed the bird and decapitated it, before throwing the body under the table, all in front of horrified onlookers.
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Many have called for him to be charged for his actions; however authorities are unclear as to whether it constitutes animal cruelty.
Agriculture and Food Minister Alannah MacTiernan said: "We are now checking with the department whether or not this can be characterised as an act of animal cruelty."
Let's just take stock.
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They're having to look into the matter to see whether decapitating a bird falls under the category of animal cruelty. Sweet, gotcha.
If the man does manage to get out of being charged with the offence, then Ms MacTiernan said moves would be taken to prevent this sort of thing from happening again.
"Quite clearly we need a law that would stop that appalling behaviour happening," she said.
The tavern released, then deleted, a statement expressing its utter shock at what took place at the weekend.
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It read: "We are still in disbelief about the barbaric attack on one of nature's gifts.
"We are so sorry for those who witnessed this despicable act and whilst for many (especially the children) the memory of seeing such a thing will remain fresh for some time yet, please take comfort in knowing that the whole community is standing together against this type of behaviour.
"This is not the norm and will not be tolerated.
"The matter is being dealt with by the authorities, so we will know more about what the outcome will be soon. Thank you for everyone's support...such a beautiful community."
RSPCA WA is looking into the matter as well and is calling for stricter laws to be put into place to ensure this type of behaviour doesn't go unpunished in the future.
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"Due to the quick nature of this bird's demise, it does not appear to meet the level of suffering required to become an offence under the law," a spokesperson said at the weekend.
Environment Minister Stephen Dawson added that a review is underway, saying: "If the allegations are true, this is a despicable act. The Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA) and WA Police are conducting a joint investigation into the incident.
"The State Government currently has a review of the Animal Welfare Act underway, with an independent panel due to provide advice to the Agriculture Minister next year.
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"Cases like this will be examined as part of the review."
Featured Image Credit: Pakerville Tavern