A man in Quincy, Massachusetts, received a six-month jail sentence and two years of probation for setting a caged raccoon on fire in 2023, according to local news. He is also banned from having animals during his probation.
In December 2023, a neighbor caught Andrew Chieu on camera committing a deliberate and unfathomably cruel act: placing a live raccoon, confined in a trap cage, over an open fire in his yard.
The neighbor then confronted Chieu and called the police, and the female raccoon was taken to an animal hospital. But the damage had already been done.
Over 60% of the defenseless animal’s body was covered in severe burns. The condition of the raccoon’s paws was of particular concern, as they are very sensitive.
“They have more nerves in their hands than any animal in the animal kingdom,” New England Wildlife President Katrina Bergman said. “There are more nerves in a raccoon’s paw than in the human eye.”
Despite receiving continuous treatment and undergoing multiple surgeries, she died as a result of her injuries approximately two weeks later.
The veterinarian who conducted the necropsy stated that the raccoon was in agony from the time she was captured until she eventually passed away.
While we are relieved that the individual responsible for this cruelty has been convicted, the sentence falls heartbreakingly short of reflecting the sheer horror and abuse inflicted on this innocent raccoon.
Lady Freethinker will continue to advocate for stronger animal protection laws to bring justice to victims and prevent future cruelty.
