Humane Society seeks action against Isenhour

Tripp Isenhour, the Nationwide Tour golfer who killed a red-shouldered hawk with a golf ball, isn’t out of the woods yet.

The president and chief executive of the Humane Society of the United States wrote a letter Thursday to the president of the PGA of America asking for action against Isenhour, who faces an animal cruelty charge for allegedly purposely striking the protected migratory bird.

Wayne Pacelle of the Humane Society asked Brian Whitcomb of the PGA of America to condemn animal cruelty and take appropriate action against Isenhour.

The 39-year-old professional player struck the hawk on Dec. 12 at Grand Cypress Golf Club in Orlando, Fla., after the bird made noises while Isenhour was taping a video called “Shoot Like a Pro.”

“By setting an example of compassion for the public, the PGA has the chance to make a difference for our communities and instill an ethic of animal protection,” Pacelle said in his letter.

However, the Humane Society might have missed its mark. The PGA of America has no jurisdiction over Nationwide Tour players, who are governed by the PGA Tour. A spokesman for the Humane Society later said the organization had re-sent the letter to Tim Finchem, PGA Tour commissioner, later Friday.

Isenhour could receive a maximum penalty of 14 months in jail and $1,500 in fines if convicted of the charges.

In a statement, the PGA Tour would not say whether it would take any action against Isenhour.

“Obviously, any set of facts which involve an individual hitting a golf ball at a living target is clearly inappropriate behavior,” said Ty Votaw, PGA Tour executive vice president. “Tripp has publicly apologized and has expressed remorse and regret about his actions. We find this entire incident regrettable and unfortunate.”

thomas.bonk@latimes.com