Overview

• The incident occurred Friday midday at the Holzmarkt in Kulmbach, Bavaria, according to police and local reports.
• Police say the 58-year-old first stepped on the bird's tail before kicking it so forcefully that it died.
• Passersby detained the suspect at the scene and called officers, who took over once they arrived.
• Authorities described the killing as a "grotesque case of animal cruelty" and began formal investigations.
• Under the animal protection law, penalties can include fines or, in severe cases, prison terms of up to three years.