YELLVILLE, Ark. (AP) - The Federal Aviation Administration says it will check to see whether any laws or regulations were broken when a low-flying pilot dropped live turkeys onto an Arkansas festival over the weekend.
The annual Yellville Turkey Trot in northern Arkansas has included a turkey drop for more than five decades , though sponsors in recent years have distanced themselves from the practice.
Several birds were dropped Saturday and then chased by festival-goers.
Local animal rights activist Rose Hilliard has filed a formal complaint with the sheriff. She alleges the pilot “terrorized” the birds and violated state laws against animal cruelty and animal abandonment.
Festival organizers say they’ve received similar complaints, as they have in past years from animal activists.
The FAA said Monday it was aware of Saturday’s drop. The agency hasn’t intervened in past years because the birds aren’t considered projectiles.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.