82-Year-Old Charged for Killing Goose in Deliberate Driving Incident

Joseph Thomas Lamb sentenced to probation and fined $2,000 for violating Migratory Bird Treaty Act.

Jan. 28, 2026 at 1:23pm

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An 82-year-old man was sentenced this week in federal court for intentionally driving his vehicle into a flock of Canada geese, killing one of the protected birds. Joseph Thomas Lamb stopped to let the geese cross the road in Ankeny, Ohio, but then accelerated when they were in the middle of his lane, resulting in the death of one goose.

Why it matters

Canada geese are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, and deliberately harming or killing them can result in federal charges. This case highlights the importance of respecting wildlife and the laws in place to protect them, even when they may be inconvenient obstacles on the road.

The details

According to court documents, Lamb drove into the flock of geese around 6:30 a.m. on June 10, 2025. He was sentenced to a six-month term of probation and ordered to pay a $2,000 fine for the violation.

  • Incident occurred around 6:30 a.m. on June 10, 2025.
  • Lamb was sentenced this week in federal court.

The players

Joseph Thomas Lamb

An 82-year-old man who was charged and sentenced for deliberately driving into a flock of Canada geese, killing one of the protected birds.

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

The federal agency that enforces the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and investigates wildlife crimes.

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What’s next

The judge's decision on Lamb's probation term and fine will be closely watched, as it sets a precedent for how the courts handle similar cases of deliberate harm to protected wildlife.

The takeaway

This incident serves as a reminder that even seemingly minor interactions with wildlife can have serious legal consequences, underscoring the need for all drivers to be vigilant and respectful of the natural world around them.