A young man from the United States has received a 45-day prison sentence and one year of police supervision after a video surfaced showing him giving a sip of alcohol to a Cooper's hawk, a protected species in California. This incident, which sparked public outrage, led to animal cruelty charges being filed against him. Additionally, the court mandated that he complete 20 days of community service and pay a $220 fine, along with attending 24 sessions of an animal abuse awareness program.

The incident occurred in June 2025 when the individual posted a video on YouTube that depicted him pouring an alcoholic beverage into the beak of the hawk. This act not only violated animal protection laws but also raised significant concerns regarding the treatment of wildlife and the responsibilities of pet owners. As part of his sentence, the court has also prohibited him from owning any animals for five years, highlighting the seriousness of animal cruelty offenses.

This case has brought attention to the legal implications of abusing wildlife and the importance of protecting endangered species. With the laws against possessing and selling the Cooper's hawk being firmly enforced, this ruling serves as a warning against similar acts of animal cruelty. It also reflects a growing societal concern regarding the welfare of animals and the need for stricter regulations to prevent such mistreatment in the future.