JACKSONVILLE, Fla., Aug. 18 (UPI) -- A Clay County, Fla., employee was charged with animal cruelty after allegedly using his power mower to run over and kill a group of ducklings, officials said.

Mark Preston Akers, 29, of Middleburg, was arrested Wednesday after he allegedly chased a mother duck and a group of seven ducklings with his power mower, killing four of the baby ducks, the Jacksonville Times-Union reported.


A witness told investigators Akers lowered his mowing attachment over the baby ducks and then "appeared to laugh and gave … the thumbs up."

Another witness said Akers later bragged about what had allegedly just happened.

"If the allegations are correct, it's very disturbing," said Stephanie Kopelousos, Clay County manager.