Washington Man Charged with Animal Cruelty After Attacking Nesting Canada Goose

A 49-year-old man from Milton, Washington, is facing criminal charges after he allegedly attacked a nesting Canada goose in a public shopping plaza. The incident has sparked an outpouring of support from the local community, which has rallied to protect the bird and her eggs.

Timeline of the Alleged Attacks

The harassment of the Canada goose occurred over two consecutive days in early April near the Milton-Edgewood area. According to reports, the suspect, identified as Monte Laukala, first targeted the bird on April 8, when witnesses reported seeing him pick up the goose. While officers responded to the scene, Laukala managed to avoid capture.

The situation escalated the following morning, April 9, at approximately 8:10 a.m. Witnesses, including a bank employee, reported that Laukala returned to the nesting site located outside a Key Bank along state Route 161. Prosecutors allege that Laukala used a metal sign—which had been placed in the area specifically to warn people to leave the goose alone—to strike the bird multiple times while she guarded her eggs. Further allegations state that Laukala grabbed the bird, yelled at her, and attempted to forcibly remove her from the nest.

Laukala fled the scene again before police arrived, but he was spotted later that day making lewd and obscene gestures at a security camera at a nearby coffee shop. Law enforcement eventually located and arrested him near Camp Edgewood.

Legal Proceedings and Charges

Laukala appeared in Pierce County District Court earlier this week for a probable cause hearing. A judge found sufficient evidence to move forward with the following charges:

• One count of second-degree animal cruelty: Based on the allegations of striking a federally protected species with a metal sign.
• Obstructing a law enforcement officer: Stemming from the events surrounding his arrest.

During the hearing, Judge Sandra Allen stated that hitting a nesting goose with a sign is “clearly, in my mind, cruelty to animals.” While defense attorneys argued that there was insufficient evidence and that the animal suffered no unnecessary pain, Laukala pleaded not guilty. He was released after posting $1,500 bail and is scheduled to return to court on May 19.

The Legal Protection of Canada Geese

The severity of the charges is tied to the legal status of the Canada goose. These birds are federally protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. Because it is a federal crime to disturb these birds while they are nesting, violations can result in significant federal fines, penalties, and additional criminal charges under state animal cruelty laws.

Community Response in Milton

The incident has deeply affected the Milton community, where the Canada goose is a welcomed annual visitor. Residents have stepped in to monitor the nest, which is situated in a plaza near Key Bank, Safeway, and Grocery Outlet. Local business owners and neighbors have expressed their shock, with some calling for Laukala to be punished for his actions.

Despite the attacks, neighbors report that the goose appears “no worse for wear” and continues to incubate her eggs. The community intends to watch over the nest until the eggs hatch and the goslings are old enough to fly away.

Key Takeaways: The Milton Goose Incident

• Suspect: Monte Laukala, 49, of Milton, WA.
• Primary Charge: Second-degree animal cruelty.
• The Act: Allegedly striking a nesting Canada goose with a metal warning sign.
• Legal Context: Canada geese are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act.
• Next Court Date: May 19.

As the community continues to guard the nesting area, the legal process will determine the consequences for Laukala’s actions. The case serves as a stark reminder of the strict legal protections afforded to migratory birds and the community’s intolerance for animal cruelty.