Kentucky "Toxic Turkey" Case

Charges Filed In Kentucky ‘Toxic Turkey’ Case

5/27/2009

Nine people have been charged by the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife for illegally selling and raising wild turkeys. According to a report on The Outdoor Wire, the charges were a result of an eight-month, multi-state investigation.

Officers serving the summons seized 15 wild turkeys and 25 wild turkey eggs. As a result of cracking this investigation, known as Operation Toxic Turkey, 421 charges were filed, including illegal importing, possessing and selling wild turkeys in Kentucky. Similar violations were investigated in 13 other states.

Stanley Hurst, 28, of Bardstown is being charged with 168 counts of importing, possessing or selling wild turkeys. Others being charged include Margaret Hamilton, 36, Pikeville; Allan Chaney, 45, Irvine; John Hester, 23, Henderson; and Thomas Murdock, 51, Murray, each charged with 30 counts of importing and possessing wild turkeys. Additional charges of importing or possessing wild turkeys were placed against Jeremy Ginn, 32, Mt. Sterling, 40 counts; Caroline Cox, 50, Turners Station, 20 counts; Elizabeth Patrick, 41, Cave City, 14 counts; and Julie Saling, 26, Bowling Green, two counts, according to The Outdoor Wire report.

It is illegal for the public to possess a wild turkey in the state of Kentucky.

"There are many biological concerns when releasing captive-raised poultry into the wild," Steven Dobey, Kentucky Fish and Wildlife's turkey program coordinator, said. "The potential for transmission of diseases and non-native parasites is increased due to their captive origin. In our generation, wild turkey numbers have grown from fewer than 1,000 to well over 200,000 birds in Kentucky. It is critical that we not inadvertently introduce disease into our flock. That could be catastrophic."

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