Golfer Who Clubbed Swan Avoids Jail Time

A golfer will avoid going to jail on an animal-cruelty charge for using a driver to club an exotic black swan to death at Donald Trump’s International Golf Club.

Harry Wagner of New York reached a deal with prosecutors in which the case will be dismissed, attorney Doug Duncan said.

Wagner must perform community service, contribute $2,500 to an animal rescue league and reimburse Palm Beach County for investigating the case, Duncan said.

“If all is done within three months, the case would be dismissed,” Duncan said. The misdemeanor charge carried a maximum penalty of one year in jail and a $5,000 fine.

The 50-pound swan, named Alex, was killed Dec. 29.

According to court records, Wagner said he killed Alex to defend other golfers, including his two sons.

The swan, worth about $1,000, was a gift to Trump, who has banned Wagner from all his properties.