Man charged with cruelty to macaw

 GREAT FALLS (AP) — A Great Falls man is charged with animal cruelty for allegedly punching, choking and breaking the leg of a macaw on Thanksgiving.

Court records say David Alton Boyken’s wife witnessed part of the incident.

Boyken told officers that the bird bit him, but he also said the bird was attacked by his daughter’s small dogs. Police say Boyken was highly intoxicated.

Boyken made an initial court appearance Monday and was released after posting a $5,000 bond. He did not enter a plea.

Boyken has a previous conviction for misdemeanor animal cruelty for cutting a dog’s throat, making the latest charge a felony.

Police Sgt. Bryan Slavik says the bird was to undergo surgery on its leg and will remain in the state’s custody as evidence.