An Ankeny resident, Joseph Thomas Lamb, 82, was sentenced to six months of probation for violating the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. The sentencing took place on January 26, 2026.
Court documents and evidence presented during sentencing indicated that on June 10, 2025, Lamb drove his vehicle into a flock of Canada Geese on State Street in Ankeny at approximately 6:30 am. He initially stopped to allow nine geese to cross in front of his car but then accelerated into the group while they were still in his lane, resulting in the death of one goose. In addition to probation, Lamb was ordered to pay a $2,000 fine.
The Canada Goose is among the species protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service maintains an updated list of birds covered by this legislation. Under federal law, violations can result in penalties including up to six months in prison, fines as high as $15,000, and supervised release for up to one year.
United States Attorney David C. Waterman for the Southern District of Iowa announced the sentence. The case was investigated by the Ankeny Police Department.
Authorities encourage anyone with information about wildlife crimes that may violate federal law to contact the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service or submit a report through the Iowa Department of Natural Resources’ Turn in Poachers (TIP) program online or via their hotline at 1-800-532-2020.
