On February 22, an opossum was found near Ohio University's campus moving in slow circles and despondent.
One or more people had tortured the animal within an inch of her life with a blowtorch. Injuries included scorch marks on the opossum's tongue and down into her throat, a "burned out" ear, a scorched eyeball, burn wounds on her neck, and many more.
Despite the best efforts of animal rehabilitators and veterinarians, the opossum succumbed to her injuries days later.
While police are investigating who did this, even if the person was brought to justice they would not face ANY real consequences of their actions. In Ohio, the maximum penalty someone can face for torturing a wild animal to death with a blowtorch is $750 and ninety days in jail.
Join organizations like the Ohio Wildlife Rehabilitators Association in calling for these laws to change. We need stiffer punishments for people who torture and abuse animals.
Tell the Ohio State Legislature to pass a new law protecting the lives of wild animals and increasing penalties for abuse and torture.
We need to make sure this never, ever happens again. Will you step up by signing today?
