Topgolf bird entanglement and legal disputes

Concerns regarding bird entanglements at Topgolf facilities in New York escalated from individual rescue incidents to allegations of widespread animal cruelty and legal action.

In early September 2026, reports emerged of two raptors becoming entangled in the netting at a Holtsville, New York, location within one week. These incidents included a hawk that remained trapped for over 24 hours and an osprey, a federally protected species, which managed to free itself. Rescuers noted that such entanglements pose significant risks of death due to fatigue.

By late September, animal rights activists initiated legal pressure against the company. Nora Marino, president of the Legal Action Network for Animals, alleged that the company’s netting has caused the injury or death of thousands of birds over the last eight years. Marino characterized the trapped birds' suffering as a violation of New York state law and issued a formal demand for the company to acquire proper equipment to free wildlife using only licensed rescuers.

Advocates have estimated that if the company’s 103 venues average five captures per net annually, approximately 4,120 birds may have been affected. Additional reports surfaced regarding a Long Island incident where witnesses claimed employees and patrons attempted to drive a trapped hawk away by blowing horns and throwing golf balls while the venue continued normal operations. Similar reports of vultures caught in Florida have also been noted by advocates.