The duck - named Circles - has fully recovered from the pellet gunshot wound to his throat.
Mastic resident Ylik Mathews is expected to be sentenced next month to a year in county jail after pleading guilty to felony aggravated animal cruelty. The 21-year-old admitted to shooting the yellow-billed Pekin duck on March 17.
Matthews' attorney, Mark G. Kirshner, says his client "maintains it was an accident" and "is happy the duck is doing well."
The judge in the case agreed Wednesday to continue the order of protection for the duck and his owner.
