LOS ANGELES (KABC) — A Los Angeles man is facing 45 days in jail for giving alcohol to a hawk.
Cesar Gustavo Diaz, of Watts, captured a juvenile Cooper’s hawk at Amelia Mayberry Park in South Whittier last June, according to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW.) They say the 25-year-old then recorded himself pouring alcohol into the bird’s mouth.
The agency says Diaz allegedly released the hawk prior to their intervention.
Diaz, a convicted felon who was already in custody on unrelated charges, was later identified and interviewed. The Los Angeles County District’s Attorney’s Office then charged Diaz with misdemeanor animal cruelty and capturing/containing wildlife.
Last week, Diaz entered a no-contest plea to the animal cruelty charge.
He was sentenced to 12 months of summary probation, 45 days in Los Angeles County Jail, 20 days of community labor, completion of a 24-session animal cruelty counseling program, five-year prohibition on possessing animals, ten-year firearm prohibition and payment of $220 in fines and fees.
Cooper’s hawks are protected under California and federal law, according to the CDFW.
Copyright © 2026 KABC Television, LLC. All rights reserved.