Group offers $2,500 for help in finding opossum's killer
By CHRIS TISCH
Published September 17, 2004
A reward of $2,500 is being offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of whoever killed and mutilated an opossum in a Seminole area mobile home park last week.
The organization People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals and a private donor have put up money for the reward, said Beth Lockwood, executive director of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals of Pinellas County. The reward more than doubles the maximum $1,000 Crime Stoppers offers for the most serious crimes, including murder.
Animal cruelty can be an early indicator of more violence to come, according to animal rights groups. "People who demonstrate such blatant disregard for life and desensitization to suffering can pose a serious risk," said Mylie Thompson, a caseworker for PETA. "Mental health professionals and top law enforcement officials consider cruelty to animals to be a red flag."
A resident at Lakeview Mobile Home Park, 331 James Ave., last week found a dead opossum strung to a power pole. It had been beaten to death and fitted with headphones and a faux suicide note that read: "I'm suicidal so I hung myself b----." A newborn opossum was recovered alive but later had to be euthanized.
Neighbors reported seeing two teens in the area the night before who appeared to be beating something with a stick.
Anyone with information can call the SPCA at (727) 586-3591.
