How Mac Got Fat
Criminal Activities
Animal Cruelty
Intentionally killing a wild bird. Under U.S. law this can constitute animal cruelty under state statutes and may violate the federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA) (which prohibits taking/possessing/killing many migratory bird species without a permit).
Situation:
"Frank and Charlie discuss and plan to place an M-80 under a pigeon's wing (or otherwise detonate fireworks involving birds) in order to blow up the pigeon(s) for 'meat' — a plan to intentionally harm/kill animals with explosives."
Assault
Threatening another with imminent physical harm or displaying a weapon in a manner that puts others in reasonable fear of harm; in many jurisdictions brandishing a firearm or threatening violence is a criminal offense.
Situation:
"Frank repeatedly strikes Mac with a stick (Mac: "Stop hitting me with the stick"); elsewhere Charlie threatens to "jam that stick up your ass," a direct threat of physical harm."
Practicing medicine without a license
It is a crime in many U.S. jurisdictions to perform medical procedures or administer treatments (including invasive procedures or IV administration) without an appropriate license and proper consent. Nonconsensual medical interference can also be battery/assault.
Situation:
"Characters discuss and plan to 'replace' or 'add to' Frank's blood using the found bags of blood and to 'pump more in' to make him more virile — i.e., performing blood transfusion-like procedures using unregulated blood and without medical authorization/training."
Reckless Endangerment
Conduct that creates a substantial risk of serious physical injury to another person; when victims are minors this commonly qualifies as child endangerment or child neglect under U.S. law.
Situation:
"Several plans — placing/ detonating M-80s in/near the bar and on birds, and adding unauthorized stop signs — create foreseeable risks of physical injury to patrons, bystanders, drivers, and animals."
Tampering with or illegally placing traffic control devices
Altering, adding, or placing official traffic control devices (stop signs, signals) without authorization, which can be a criminal offense because it endangers public safety and interferes with traffic control.
Situation:
"Frank physically adds two extra stop signs to create a four-way intersection (he says "I put two extra stop signs"), knowingly altering traffic-control conditions and creating a hazardous situation."
Theft
Unauthorized taking and consumption of another person's personal property (petty theft/larceny): intentionally taking possession of property belonging to someone else without that person's consent.
Situation:
"Characters reference finding/using "bags of blood... behind a hospital." Charlie is involved in acquiring these bags and proposes boiling and using them, indicating possession of human blood obtained outside legal channels."
Unlawful possession and use of explosive devices
Possession of illegal explosive devices (M-80s) and planning/using them in public settings, which can violate state and federal laws regulating explosive devices and can include misdemeanor or felony charges depending on jurisdiction and harm caused.
Situation:
"Frank proclaims he "scored a shitload of fireworks" (M-80s) and repeatedly proposes using them (e.g., a 'meat bomb' to flash-cook lamb). He and Charlie discuss/stage plans that involve placing and detonating M-80s in and around public areas (including the bar and on birds)."