UPDATE: Demand Full Accountability in Vile Killing of Woodpecker in Wisconsin!
Update (June 24, 2026): Thank you to all who spoke up! Misdemeanor cruelty-to-animals charges have been filed against both individuals. PETA is now in contact with Mr. Urmanski, and we are asking that consideration be given to escalating the charges to a felony as provided for by Wisconsin’s anti-cruelty statutes. We will update this alert as more information becomes available. Stay tuned!
Original post:
On May 2 a Sheboygan, WI couple reportedly filmed themselves violently killing a woodpecker who had been visiting their property. Allegedly, they affixed glue traps to an area the bird was frequenting, and once she became hopelessly mired, they shot at her, apparently with an air rifle multiple times, eventually killing her. As soon as we learned of the situation, we alerted authorities, who launched an investigation. We understand that the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources filed wildlife code violations, but that local authorities, mysteriously, have not filed cruelty-to-animals charges.
Such an attack would blatantly violate WI § 951.02 which prohibits causing unnecessary and excessive pain or suffering to any animal—something obviously experienced by this federally protected bird if the allegations are true. However our attempts to get the attention of Sheboygan County District Attorney, Joel Urmanski, have been met with silence. Now it’s your turn!
