Prosecutors in Venice have initiated a criminal investigation into Donald Trump Jr.'s hunting party concerning a recent duck hunting trip, as reported by a regional daily newspaper in Italy on Tuesday.
The probe revolves around whether Trump Jr. or his associates killed a protected, rare orange plumed Ruddy Shelduck in December, La Nuova Venezia reported.
Public prosecutor Daniela Moroni opened the inquiry after Venetian councilor Andrea Zanoni and various environmental groups raised the allegation based on a video of Trump Jr.'s hunting trip that circulated on social media.
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In the video, a member of the group said Trump Jr. and his shooting partner killed 50 ducks.
Trump Jr.’s spokesman previously told CNN he had the necessary authorization to hunt and would cooperate with any investigation.
“Don and his group had all the proper permits and were hunting in a legally allowed area, where there were countless other hunting groups present,” Andy Surabian told CNN in a statement.
“While it’s unclear whether this single duck was unintentionally shot by someone in Don’s hunting group, another hunting group or killed in a different manner and retrieved by the group's hunting dog, Don takes following all rules, regulations and conservation on his hunts very seriously and plans on fully cooperating with any investigation,” Surabian added.