Censure Tripp Isenhour - Red-shouldered Hawk killing
- by: IE Ries
- recipient: TIM FINCHEM, PGA Tour Commissioner
On December 12, 2007, golfer Tripp Isenhour knowingly and intentionally mortally injured a Red-Shouldered Hawk during the filming of a golf-related program at the Grand Cypress Golf Club in Florida (USA).
The hawk, a federally protected migratory species, was vocalizing to communicate with other birds while pursuing prey several yards away on the golf course. Witnesses stated they heard Mr. Isenhour say "I'll get him now,'' in an apparent attempt to silence the hawk's cries. He aimed for the hawk by driving the golf ball towards the bird with his golf club, to the shock and horror of on-lookers.
A few shots later, witnesses said his golf ball struck the hawk, causing the bird to fall to the ground, bleeding from both nostrils. The hawk later died from its injuries.
Like the case of Michael Vick, a convicted abuser of dogs, this hateful and specieist treatment of wildlife is unacceptable in the 21st century to citizens world-wide. Therefore, in addition to the state and federal prosecution he will face for this offense, we, the undersigned, demand that Commissioner Finchem harshly sanction Mr. Isenhour for his actions, stripping him of his membership, privileges and ability to play tournaments through the PGA Tour, effectively immediately.
Send a clear and resounding message that this kind of self-centered, egotistical and abusive behaviour will not be tolerated by society.
After signing this petition, please also send a message these individuals to reinforce your position on this matter:
Tim Finchem, Commissioner
PGA TOUR
100 PGA TOUR Blvd
Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082
(904) 285-3700
Bill Calfee, President/PGA National TOUR
112 PGA TOUR Boulevard Ponte
Vedra Beach, FL 32082
Dear Commissioner Finchem:
The actions of golfer Tripp Isenhour displays a distinct lack of respect for wildlife and the rule of law in the United States. By intentionally killing a Red-Shouldered Hawk, a federally protected migratory species, during a golf-related event, Mr. Isenhour managed to both cast a dark shadow on the sport of golf by his association with the PGA Tour, and ruin his reputation as an athlete.
We, the undersigned, feel that the phrase "talk is cheap" certainly is true in this case, and that Mr. Isenhour's apology for the death of wildlife he caused through maliciousness does not suffice to atone for his actions.
Therefore, we request that he immediately be stripped of his membership, association, and privileges associated with the PGA Tour as a way of sanctioning him publicly for his actions. Show the public that golf is a sport of respectable, reasonable, upstanding role models who will not hesitate to discipline peers whose actions bring shame on this sport through their selfish, illegal behaviour.
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