A Florida man is facing felony charges after authorities say he killed and ate two of his pet peacocks during a neighborhood dispute.
According to court records reviewed this week, 61-year-old Craig John Vogt of Hudson, Florida, was arrested after his neighbor discovered a disturbing letter in her mailbox.
The letter, later entered into a criminal complaint, described in detail how Vogt decapitated and ate the birds.
According to PEOPLE, investigators say Vogt admitted to deputies that he carried out the act “out of spite” because his neighbor had been feeding the animals.
Pasco County Sheriff’s Office records state Vogt is now charged with aggravated animal cruelty, a third-degree felony in Florida that covers intentionally causing an animal’s death or excessive suffering. If convicted, he faces up to five years in prison and fines of up to $10,000 under state law.
The neighbor also sought legal protection following the incident. On September 29, a judge granted a restraining order against Vogt, citing his own statements to deputies that once released from custody, he intended to kill his remaining peacocks so no one else could care for them.
Court filings show Vogt appeared before a judge this week and was appointed a public defender. He remains in custody at the Land O’ Lakes Detention Center.
Records also reveal that Vogt has more than 40 separate charges standing in Pasco County courts tied to prior incidents, underscoring a lengthy history of run-ins with the law.
Florida’s aggravated animal cruelty statute was recently strengthened under “Dexter’s Law,” which created a public database of convicted animal abusers and added enhanced sentencing penalties for repeat offenders.
Legal experts note that if Vogt is convicted, his case could qualify for these stricter measures, including a sentencing multiplier and mandatory counseling requirements.
Vogt’s next court appearance has not yet been scheduled, according to Pasco County court records.