Raccoons are sometimes kept as pets in people's homes and yards. Raised from a young age, many of these are baby-tame. They are not exposed to the threat of Rabies as their wild brethren are and should not automatically be destroyed.
These animals are sometimes confiscated by law enforcement and are automatically sentenced to death, regardless of the fact that they are healthy and have spent most, if not all of their lives, in captivity and are entirely socialized with human beings.
While not illegal to possess in many states, they are still considered wild animals [not pets] by animal control. Captive raccoons that are loved and cared for should be classified as pets and be protected by the same laws that govern humane treatment of cats and dogs.
It is wrong to automatically pass a death sentence onto an animal that relies on human beings for every aspect of its care, including love, and knows no other life except with people. These animals deserve to live.
