Rare swan killed at Trump golf club

Compiled from Times wires

© St. Petersburg Times, published January 11, 2001

WEST PALM BEACH -- A rare black swan bludgeoned to death by a golfer at Donald Trump's swanky club will be avenged, Palm Beach County officials vowed Wednesday.

Animal control officials opened an investigation at the urging of a county commissioner as animal rights groups reacted angrily.

"I want to find out who did it, and I want them punished," said Commissioner Mary McCarty. Club members fretted about the image of Trump International Golf Club, which costs $300,000 to join and $10,000 a year.

Witnesses looked on as a guest of a member beat the swan with a driver, said Lt. Gina DiPace of animal control. The incident reportedly happened about 10 days ago near the 17th hole on the $40-million course after the swan emerged from the water.

The swan, dubbed Alex by members, reportedly had exhibited aggressive behavior, such as hissing at golfers with his neck stretched out.

Club officials were interviewed by animal control officers Wednesday but refused to name the member or guest, DiPace said. It's been determined that the member is a Palm Beach doctor, but "we haven't figured out who," said DiPace.

DiPace said it was "disheartening" that none of the witnesses to the beating came forward before the story broke early this week.

"We will get the information," DiPace added.

If found guilty of a charge of intentional cruelty to animals, the guest could be sentenced to five years in prison and fined up to $5,000.

A Trump employee at the real estate mogul's Palm Beach estate refused to comment, but Trump, reached in New York on Tuesday, said "we're very angry about" the killing of the swan. "It was a very unfortunate incident."

Trump said the club member will be punished for the behavior of his guest.

"This was out of sheer meanness," Trump said. "There will be severe retribution toward the club member. Maybe he'll be expelled."

The swan, which came from Australia and was valued at about $1,000, was one of four given to Trump by a friend.

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