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Golfer Charged With Animal Cruelty

Originally published by The Associated Press, June 29, 2001

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — A golfer was charged with animal cruelty for beating an exotic black swan to death with a driver at Donald Trump's golf club, officials said.

Harry Wagner of New York was charged with the misdemeanor Thursday and was scheduled to appear in court Friday. He could face a year in jail and a $5,000 fine if convicted.

The 50-pound swan, named Alex, was killed Dec. 29 at the Trump International Golf Club.

According to court records, Wagner admitted killing the bird with a titanium driver but said he did it to defend other golfers. His golfing partner, a member of the club, said the swan was known to be aggressive.

Wagner declined to comment on the charge, said his attorney, Doug Duncan.

The swan, native to Australia and worth about $1,000, was one of four given to Trump by a friend. The New York developer banned Wagner from all of his properties after the incident.

© 2001 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.