Illinois Man Charged With Animal Cruelty In Seagull Attack

Local veterinarian had to euthanize the seagull

A 21-year-old from Illinois faces a felony charge for animal cruelty after allegedly striking a seagull with an umbrella pole in Florida.

Ryan David Lesle, from Western Springs, is accused of swinging the umbrella pole above his head when a flock of seagulls flew near him and his friends, Clearwater Police said. He then continued to beat it to put it out of its misery, according to the police.

Lesle was taken to the Pinellas County Jail in Clearwater, Fla., Wednesday evening. He has since been released on bond.

He reportedly was in Florida on Spring Break.

A local veterinarian facility responded to the attack and had to euthanize the seagull.

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