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Apr 4, 2008 8:34 pm US/Eastern
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Fowl Play Prompts Court Order To Protect L.I. Duck
Owner's Son Among Those Arrested For Attack On Animal
CENTRAL ISLIP, N.Y. (CBS) ―
From CBS 2 HD's strange-but-true file, we offer this: A court order of protection has been issued for a duck which was allegedly attacked by a Long Island man.
"Circles" the duck is arguably the most endangered and most protected duck in America.
"I'm surprised. So is she I guess," owner Janet Lippincott said with a laugh. "She's the most protected duck in the world now."
Back in March, Lippincott says a group of young people snuck into her backyard in Mastic and shot Circles in the head and neck area with a pellet gun and pierced her voice box.
"She had difficulty quacking for the first week or two," Lippincott said.
So in an effort to protect Circles from a future fusillade of fire the duck got an order of protection.
That's right. A Suffolk County court judge issued an order of protection for Circles the duck, ordering Circles' shooter to stay away from her and her owners.
It is believed to be a legal first.
"This is the first I've heard of a court ordered protected duck," said Det. Lt. Gail Marrero of the Suffolk County Police Department.
Police say the accused shooter, 20-year-old Ylik Mathews of Mastic, has been arrested and charged with aggravated cruelty to animals. He's pleaded not guilty.
Curiously, the police also say Lippincott's son, Michael Pastillo, was arrested and charged with menacing. Lippincott says it was in retaliation for the duck attack. He's now out on bail.
While all this is being sorted out, Circles is strutting confidently in public these days.
"I'm just glad that she's alright," Lippincott said.
The accused duck shooter is due back in court on April 11 in Suffolk County.
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