LITTLE ROCK, 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 a Yellville festival over the weekend.
The annual Turkey Trot 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 below.
Local animal rights activist Rose Hilliard wants criminal charges filed against the pilot. She alleges the pilot “terrorized” the birds and violated state laws against animal cruelty and animal abandonment.
Festival organizers didn’t immediately return calls to the Associated Press seeking comment Monday.
An FAA spokesman said Monday the agency was aware of the weekend flyover. In the past, the FAA hasn’t intervened because the birds aren’t considered projectiles.
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