Overview
- Cesar Gustavo Diaz, 25, pleaded no contest to misdemeanor animal cruelty and was sentenced to 45 days in Los Angeles County Jail with credit for time served and 12 months of probation.
- He must complete 20 days of community labor, attend a 24-session animal cruelty counseling program, pay $220 in fines, and comply with a five-year ban on possessing animals and a 10-year firearms prohibition.
- A separate misdemeanor charge alleging capturing or possessing a bird or mammal was dismissed, according to court records.
- California Department of Fish and Wildlife’s Special Operations Unit executed five search warrants and, with LASD Operation Safe Streets, identified Diaz after the YouTube video was flagged by the public.
- Cooper’s hawks are protected under federal and California law, and investigators say Diaz claimed he released the bird before they intervened, leaving its condition unconfirmed.