Police: Highland teens tortured and killed wild goose

NEW YORK -- Two Highland teenagers tortured and killed a wild goose, according to Town of Lloyd police.

Michael Vargas, 18, and Jarett Gonzalez, 16, were charged with misdemeanor animal cruelty on Saturday.

"They are accused of stoning the (goose) with rocks, then beating it with a wooden plank, stepping on it and cutting its head off," said Lt. James Janso via email.

Police say the two allegedly tortured and killed the goose behind a Highland-based business on Route 299.

They were released on appearance tickets and are due in the Town of Lloyd Court on Aug. 6. The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Police, which assisted Lloyd police, also issued tickets to the teens.
(Poughkeepsie Journal - July 27, 2015)