Sign: Man Cut Off Blue Heron’s Leg And Slit Bird’s Throat In Front Of His Children

Published: April 07, 2023 at 06:58 PM Author: PENNY EIMS

Port St. Lucie, FL -A Florida man was arrested on April 2 on accusations that he tortured a federally protected bird in front of his children. The Port St. Lucie police have identified 67-year-old Eugene Fritz as the man who sliced off the leg of a great blue heron and slit the bird’s throat…in front of his kids.

As reported by WPTV News, the authorities interviewed Fritz’s children after his wife reported what happened. Fritz’s daughter said that her dad had the injured bird with him when he picked her up from school. The police report for the March 31 incident states:

“The bird was still alive at this point but had a broken leg. It appeared the father had injured the bird when he grabbed it.”

The children said he then cut off its legs, brutally stabbed it to death, before slitting its throat, all while they watched.

The family has stated that Fritz brutalized the blue heron because he was “angry” that it went after his fishing bait.

Eugene Fritz is facing multiple charges, including aggravated animal cruelty and cruelty toward a child.

If you are shaken by what this man did to an innocent bird, and angered that he committed the violence in front of children, please add your name to the petition today!

We, the undersigned, demand that Eugene Fritz be held responsible for torturing and killing a protected great blue heron, and we are petitioning for him to receive the maximum punishment allowable by law for the charges stemming from this appalling act of violence. 

Blue herons are protected federally under the U.S. Migratory Bird Treaty Act, as well as the Florida Endangered and Threatened Species Rule.

Individuals are presumed innocent until found guilty in a court of law. Animal Victory relies upon the authorities and the court system to determine guilt or innocence.

News:

WPTV

Local 12

NY Post

Update 7/15/2025: There is no disposition on this case yet.
This means the court has not reached a final decision or resolution. The new trial date is July 28, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. before Judge Michael Heisey. 

Update 6/30/2025: The trial docket was continued to 07/14/2025 at 9:00 AM in courtroom 2B-HC.

Update 6/03/2025: Trial Docket scheduled for 06/30/2025 at 9:00 AM. Case #2023CF000879 A

Update 5/13/2025: Trial Docket Courtroom 2B – HC on 06/02/2025 at 9:00 AM.

Update 05/05/2025: New schedule for Trial Docket – 05/12/2025 at 9:00 AM before Judge Michael Heisey, 2023CF000879. Animal Victory sent an updated petition and signatures.

Update 11/17/2024: Animal Victory sent the petition and updated signatures to the attorney. 

Update 10/31/2024: Animal Victory has learned the next hearing for Defendant Eugene Fritz is 11/20/2024 at 9:00 AM. Courtroom 2B HC

Update 10/2/2024: Animal Victory sent the petition and updated signatures to the attorney. 

Update 10/2/2024: Animal Victory sent the petition and updated signatures to the attorney and judge. 

Update 8/29/2024: The Court case has been continued by the defense’s motion.  The next hearing is scheduled for October 23, 2024, at 9:00 AM. Courtroom 2B – HC. Judge Michael Hersey.

Update 8/8/2024: Animal Victory sent the petition and updated signatures to the attorney and judge. 

Update 8/5/2024: The next hearing for Eugene Fritz is 8/21/2024 at 9:00 AM—courtroom 2B-HC.

Update 3/5/2024: There is a hearing set for 04/24/2024 at 2:00 PM IN VTR/ , Circuit Judge: MULLINS, LEATHA DAWN

Update 02/09/2024: Animal Victory sent the petition and updated signatures to the attorney and judge. 

Update 01/29/202: Court case has been continued by the defense’s motion. The next hearing is scheduled for 2/14/2024 at 9:00 AM.

Update 11/29/2023: Animal Victory has learned the next court date is scheduled on 1/10/2024 at 9:00 AM in room 2B at Criminal Court, 201 South Indian River Drive, 3rd floor, Fort Pierce, FL. 34950. Fritz Eugene was charged with three felonies. Two are for child abuse and one is for animal cruelty.

Update 8/29/2023: Animal Victory has learned that the next docket call is scheduled on 08/30/2023 at 9:00 a.m This is a status meeting in preparation for trial.

Update 7/13/2023: Animal Victory sent a cover letter and petition to the County Attorney.

Update 7/4/2023: Animal Victory has learned that a docket call is scheduled on July 26, 2023.

Update 6/22/2023: Animal Victory has learned that the Docket Call is scheduled for 6/28/2023 at 9 AM in courtroom 2B-HC with Honorable Michael Heisey.

Update: 5/15/2023: Animal Victory sent cover letter and petition to the judge. 

Prior Signatures 19,628