Turkey Attacks in Martha's Vineyard

Turkeys photographed by Eye of Einstein on Flickr

Two Martha's Vineyard turkeys, apparently unaware that their rightful place is on the dinner table, recently attacked a few people--and one of the birds suffered for it. The turkeys initially threatened two people delivering baby equipment to the turkey owner's neighbor. One of the delivery people called the cops, who came to assess the situation. An officer shot (and killed) one of the turkeys in self-defense when it approached him aggressively as well. WCVB reports:

Police said that when they arrived, they saw the baby equipment outside the van and a female turkey on the front lawn. Soon after, a large male turkey appeared and jumped at the officers, and tried to peck them with its beak.

An officer kicked the bird, but it charged at him and he fired two gunshots. The bird was hit and it ran away. The officer chased the bird and fired a few more shots, killing the turkey.

Kicking and chasing a scared bird that's already started to run away seems a bit excessive, but perhaps the officer was simply hoping to protect other neighbors from this terrorist tom (actually named Tom), or putting the badly wounded bird out of its misery.

The absurdity didn't end with the turkey's life. The turkey's owner, Jonathan Haar, reportedly attacked the officer who killed the bird. Haar was arrested and charged with assault and battery on a police officer and resisting arrest. His hearing is scheduled for June 30.

In addition to raising turkeys, Haar has written several books about Boston Harbor, as well as A Civil Action, an expose of cancerous pollution in Woburn, Mass. Haar also owns The Harbor Planning Group, a Cambridge development company focused on urban revitalization. The company has worked on Two Atlantic Avenue and 33 Arch Street. Haar is a principal of the Boston Planning Institute, of which his wife Linda is president. The BPI specializes in sustainable development.

With all that development experience, you'd think the Haars would know a thing or two about permits. But maybe their expertise is Boston-centric, because it turns out it's illegal to possess a turkey except during the Thanksgiving season--and even then, you need a permit. Haar requested a proper burial for Tom, which was denied due to the lack of permit. We hope the body didn't go to waste--we suggest Martha's rotisserie chicken on the grill, since it's summer and all.

All this gives new meaning to the phrase "tough turkey."