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Fisherman Gets Jail Time, Probation For Attacking Pelican

NEWPORT BEACH (AP) — A fisherman who broke a pelican's beak when the bird tried to steal his catch has been sentenced to 20 days in jail and probation.

Daniel Moreno, 19, of Perris, pleaded guilty on Tuesday to misdemeanor animal cruelty. He was sentenced in Orange

County Superior Court to 20 days in jail and three years probation.

He has the option to serve his remaining jail time doing communityservice.

Police say Moreno was fishing at the Newport Beach pier on March 14 when the California brown pelican flew in and tried to snatch a fish he had caught. Moreno retaliated by stomping on the bird and breaking its beak.

The pelican was taken to a Huntington Beach animal care center.

(© Copyright 2010 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

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