A fourth grade class in New Hampshire drafted a bill naming the state’s official bird of prey. But their project was crushed by legislators, who tore the bill apart while the class watched from the gallery Thursday.
"It grasps them with its talons then uses its razor sharp beak to basically tear it apart limb by limb,” said Rep. Warren Groen, R-Rochester, referring to the choice of the Red Tail Hawk. “I guess the shame about making this a state bird is it would serve as a much better mascot for Planned Parenthood.”
Rep. John Burt, R-Goffstown, mocked the bill by saying a “state hot dog” would be next.
“There were a number of comments that were made that were… inappropriate given that there was a fourth grade audience”said Lincoln Akerman School teacher James Cutting to NH1.
The measure failed, 133 to 160.
According to National Geographic, the Red Tailed Hawk is one of the most common hawks in North America. They are efficient hunters with a wingspan of more than 3 feet.
Gavin Stern is a national digital producer for the Scripps National Desk.
