Chatsworth Man Charged In Deaths Of Peacocks

SAN FERNANDO, CA — A Chatsworth man, facing allegations that he deliberately plowed through a pair of peacocks in his pickup truck, pleaded not guilty to felony animal cruelty Wednesday.

Floyd Michael Belton faces serious jail time if convicted. The aftermath of the incident was reportedly caught on camera and prompted outrage among neighbors who cherish the colorful birds.

Witness Andrei Ferreira told Fox11 the driver sped up before crushing them.

"I saw this guy coming, and he didn't even slow down whatsoever he just kind of went through them. I saw one of the peacocks go under the wheel and that one died immediately the other one his head or something got run over and it took about 5 minutes or so for that one to die slowly," said Ferreira.

Outrage over the incident triggered a community meeting where many cited cruelty toward the birds as an ongoing issue. Others called for accountability for those who would hurt the creatures.

"Were devastated, they're a huge part of our community, they're a reason why I moved into this place," said Dot Nelson, according to Fox11.

Patch was not able to reach Belton for comment.

The deadly encounter happened on July 25, according to Deputy District Attorney Bradley Lieberman. Prosecutors allege the 61-year-old defendant used his Ford-150 truck as a deadly and dangerous weapon.

Los Angeles County sheriff's deputies arrested Belton Aug. 13, and he was released later that evening after an $80,000 bond was posted.

Belton could face up to five years in county jail if convicted as charged, according to the District Attorney's Office.

City News Service contributed to this report.