Los Angeles, California – A California man has been sentenced to jail time and probation for charges stemming from an animal cruelty incident in June 2025. According to sources, 25-year-old Cesar Gustavo Diaz, of Watts, captured a Cooper’s Hawk at a park and then took video of him forcing the bird to drink alcohol.
The incident took place on June 15, and the video footage shows Diaz pouring alcohol from a Buzz Ball into its mouth.
In a press release, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife said:
The case came to light after a video surfaced on YouTube showing Diaz pouring an alcoholic beverage into the bird’s mouth, seen in the screenshots below.
Concerned members of the public alerted CDFW, prompting an investigation by the Special Operations Unit. Wildlife officers executed five search warrants during the investigation. With the assistance of detectives from LASD Operation Safe Streets, Diaz, a convicted felon who was already in custody on unrelated charges, was identified and later interviewed. Diaz allegedly released the hawk prior to CDFW intervening.
Outlining the outcome of the case:
On Feb. 19, 2026, Diaz entered a no-contest plea to the animal cruelty charge. He was sentenced to 12 months of summary probation, 45 days in Los Angeles County Jail (with credit for time served), 20 days of community labor, completion of a 24-session animal cruelty counseling program, five-year prohibition on possessing animals, ten-year firearm prohibition and payment of $220 in fines and fees.
Cooper’s hawks are protected under California and federal law. CDFW reminds the public that capturing, harming or harassing wildlife is illegal and can result in criminal charges. Anyone with information about wildlife crimes is encouraged to report them to CalTIP at 888-334-2258 or via the CalTIP app.
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32 Comments
Poor Bird 🕊️.That Cowardly person Should have been given At least 5 -10 years Jail Time Not probation.That.Bird Might have Died and all he.getd.id.pribatiin that’s not Justice For this perfect Bird of flight . Animals that are abused 😭 Need Real.justice Not Suspended or probation dammit
Good old Newsom the Grusom Sanctuary for criminals in CA. Already a convicted felon, it’s a never ending system of the criminals walking the streets, the predators have more rights.
Hang that sick bastard!
So many snowflakes in the comments acting like he tortured it, and that jail is a soft punishment lol
Maybe save that energy for your white ass children that love to behead alley cats
#EuthanizeAnimalAbusers 💉
It’s a scale or is all abuse the same?
People continue these crimes against animals on a daily basis. The reason for that is that when and if they are caught; they get to walk away with a mere slap on the wrist. These ridiculous punishments have to be upgraded so that these individuals don’t want to commit these crimes again for fear of the consequences.
They think it’s cool to harm and harass wildlife. They post on social media for clout, clicks and views. The punishment needs to be more severe and animal sensitivity courses need to be mandatory as part of the rehabilitation and probation.
Couldn’t agree more. It was a ridiculous sentence. Still better than most. Just proves we need to do better as a society. This monster should be spend time LABORING while in prison for a very long time.
You clearly don’t know anything about jail
These toothless, half-assed “punishments” do absolutely nothing to deter these IDIOT mental defective monsters from abusing, harming and doing sick things to animals. This crap won’t ever stop unless they get a lot tougher on anial abuse.
WHAT A COMPLETE ‘DORK’
ABS 314
I am in complete agreement with you❗️
So who suffered more, the idiot who had to go to jail or the bird who drank?
hang this devil
Hang yourself loser
Or you could hang yourself
I think the legal system in some states like California is useless, poor defense less animals and humans are abused and no one really pays the price.
Yes. A useless guy that should be in jail forever
This monster subhuman deserves a much heftier fine and much longer jail time !
This scumbag has nothing better to do than harm wildlife. He deserved jail time and a heavy fine. Where is CDFW? What a worthless agency.
He got jail time learn how to read
He’s evil,he’s cruel,I want him jail in long time…..murder can kill hawk in any drinks.best is pay high crimes..
DEPORT THAT USELESS HUMAN ALCOHOLIC DRUG FUCKED UP PIECE OF GARBAGE NOW!!
This is rich coming from subhuman property
This is one sick piece of garbage that the world would be better off without. He should just be exterminated. I feel for that hawk who crossed paths with the monster.
Let’s force feed him with Cyanide
I AGREE.
We’re not doing enough to hold their feet to the fire. This crap has to stop. If the Subhumans don’t feel the consequences. They’re going to keep doing it. The punishment doesn’t fit the crime ever… and the fines that they’re ordered to pay are never enough!
You are so right Ruth! Thank you!
These brainless idiots really need to be punished !! So much cruelty of late and they are walking free and laughing !!!! Not good enough !!!
So true…. Horrible cruel acts