Golfer clubs goose to "put it out of its misery"

Criminal charge filed in Canada goose death

By Tom Yerace
TRIBUNE-REVIEW
Friday, August 5, 2005

The killing of a Canada goose on a Murrysville golf course has resulted in a criminal charge against a Murrysville man.

Murrysville police said Jason P. Brahim, 22, of 3564 Dogwood Lane, was charged with misdemeanor disorderly conduct for allegedly beating the goose to death with a golf club.

Police said the incident occurred July 10 as Brahim was golfing with another man, whose identity was not listed on the criminal complaint, at Meadowink Golf Course along Bulltown Road.

According to police, another golfer and his son were on the 15th green when they heard geese squawking and saw a man hitting a goose with a golf club at the edge of a water hazard on the 11th hole.

Police said they advised Brahim and his golfing companion of their Miranda rights and advised them against giving false statements.

According to police, Brahim's companion said they struck the goose accidentally with a golf cart and it ran into the water. He said Brahim pulled the bird to shore and struck it several times with a club to "put it out of its misery'."

According to the police, Brahim said the goose ran into the water, tried to fly several times and then drowned in the pond and that he pulled it to shore with a ball retriever. He said he hit the bird once to make sure it was dead.

Murrysville Police Chief Tom Seefeld said Game Warden Gary Toward of the Pennsylvania Game Commission is investigating and may file additional charges.

Canada geese are protected by federal law under the Migratory Bird Act of 1918.

Brahim did not respond to a call for comment.

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