Viral Video Leads To Arrest For Raccoon Cruelty In Louisiana
(KMDL-FM) If you are opening this story hoping to see a sick video of someone killing a wild animal with a rock, you are going to be disappointed. Perhaps even more disappointing is the fact that a Vernon Parish man is being held on multiple charges after his arrest on allegations that he killed a raccoon with a rock and made a video of the incident. And then decided to share the video on social media platforms.
Louisiana Department of Wildlife Agents say the video of the incident was removed from social media platforms. But before the video was pulled down, it should be noted that it received what a Louisiana Department of Wildlife press release described as "significant attention".
New Llano Man Facing Animal Cruelty Charges in Death of Raccoon
Justin D. Ford of New Llano, Louisiana, is alleged to be the individual in a video that was posted on social platforms on May 24th. In the video, the individual in question can be seen striking the raccoon with a large rock while it was in a creek at night. Those who viewed the video described it as inhumane. The LDWF press release also described the scenario as unlawful.
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Agents from the Department of Wildlife identified Ford as the individual in the video. They also identified several unlawful acts that were committed. Among those were violations of Louisiana's animal cruelty and wildlife laws.
It was also noted that Ford did not possess a valid hunting license at the time of the incident. And speaking of the time of the incident, it was at night, and the method used to kill the animal was illegal based on current Louisiana wildlife statutes.
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Ford was arrested during a traffic stop on June 11th on a warrant issued by the 30th Judicial District Court. During an interview with agents following his arrest, Ford admitted to throwing the rock at the raccoon. He was booked into the Vernon Parish Detention Center.
Louisiana Man Facing Jail Time, Fines in Rock-Related Death of Raccoon
According to the Louisiana Department of Wildlife, if found guilty, Ford could face these penalties and fines:
Aggravated cruelty to animals brings a $5,000 to $25,000 fine and one to 10 years in jail. Taking wild quadrupeds using illegal methods carries a $250 to $500 fine and up to 90 days in jail. Hunting without a basic hunting license brings up to a $350 fine. Unlawful posting of criminal activity for notoriety and publicity carries up to a $500 fine and six months in jail.
The Louisiana Department of Wildlife noted that Sgt. Harvey Pearce, Corporal Dustin Nash, and Senior Agent Callie Pitre were the agents involved in the case. All suspects are innocent until proven guilty.
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Gallery Credit: Michael Dot Scott