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Man's mental competency questioned in 'Pinky' the flamingo's death

Joseph Corrao is accused of killing the flamingo
Posted at 8:16 AM, Jan 18, 2017
and last updated 2017-01-19 05:25:00-05

A doctor will evaluate the mental competency of a man accused of killing a flamingo at Busch Gardens in August of 2016.

A mental competency hearing was scheduled on Wednesday for 45-year-old Joseph Corrao of Orlando to see if he understands the charges against him and is able to participate in the proceedings. 

Corrao's attorney filed a competency motion on Tuesday, claiming that the Orlando man is mentally ill. 

Corrao did not attend the hearing on Wednesday. He faces charges of aggravated cruelty to animals. 

The next hearing will be on February 17, 2017. On that day, Judge Barber will make his ruling after a Tampa doctor examines and issues written findings to the Judge. 

ORIGINAL STORY | Orlando man arrested after reportedly attacking flamingo at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay

'Justice for Pinky the Flamingo' petition asking for harsher animal cruelty penalties in Florida

Corrao is facing a charge of aggravated cruelty to animals stemming from the death of Pinky the pink flamingo on Aug. 2 while visiting Busch Gardens with his family. According to police reports, Corrao reached into an animal pen, grabbed Pinky and slammed her to the ground. She was later euthanized.

Corrao was arrested and released on a $5,000 bond days later.

 

 

 

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