A Texas man is claiming self-defense after he was filmed killing a turtle with a hammer.
A Texas man is claiming self-defense after he was filmed killing a turtle with a hammer, reports the Dallas Morning News.
The incident occurred on June 21 when 55-year-old Terry Washington went fishing with a friend at Lady Bird Lake in Austin.
According to the Washington Post, the men believed they had snagged a large catch, but once they reeled it in, they discovered it was a turtle.
At some point, Washington allegedly took a hammer and began hitting the 40-pound animal--a graphic video of the attack was taken by a witness and released online.
After dumping the body, he reportedly drove away; however, he was soon identified as the perpetrator and turned himself to authorities two days later.
In an affidavit, Washington claims that he had acted in self-defense because, according to him, the turtle tried to bite him several times, notes KVUE.
However, witnesses have said that the turtle was still hooked to the fishing line, and was, in fact, trying to escape.
Washington faces multiple charges including cruelty to a non-livestock animal which is a felony.
