Woman found not guilty of beating falcon

COEUR d’ALENE — Patti MacDonald is guilty of pursuing a protected bird.

But she’s not guilty of beating or harassing an animal, a Kootenai County jury ruled Thursday.

MacDonald, 60, was accused of attacking Scott Dinger’s falcon, Hornet, when she encountered the raptor attempting to complete a lawful kill of a duck near a corn maze attraction in Hauser. She was charged with the two misdemeanor offenses in connection with the Jan. 7 incident and, after more than two hours of jury deliberation, she was found guilty of one.

After the verdict, Dinger told the Hagadone News Network that he just wanted to see MacDonald face a jury, and that he was pleased with the result.

For the rest of the story, see the print edition of the Bonner County Daily Bee or subscribe to our e-edition.