On March 17, a woman rescued a young injured raccoon from a golf course at the Westin-Innisbrook Resort in Tarpon Springs, Florida. Reports indicate that the raccoon had been beaten severely approximately five days earlier. Resort staff and club members were aware that the incident had occurred but neglected to report the incident or the injured animal to authorities, choosing instead to let the animal suffer for days. According to veterinary reports, the raccoon suffered from severe internal injuries and a shattered femoral bone on the right hind leg. On April 12, the young raccoon named Sweetie died in the care of a local wildlife rehabilitator.
The Florida Fish & Game Commission is currently conducting an investigation into the abuse and death of Sweetie. As a result, PETA and Friends of Raccoons Everywhere (FORE) are offering a $6,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for Sweetie's cruel beating and death. Please send a polite letter urging the general manager of the golf course to cooperate with authorities by persuading staff members and clientele to provide the Fish & Game Commission with information about Sweetie's death. Contact information:
Tom Manno
General Manager
The Westin-Innisbrook Resort
P.O. Box 1088
Tarpon Springs, FL 34689
Tel: 727-942-2000
Fax: 727-942-5578
Anyone with information is encouraged to call PETA's Research, Investigations & Rescue Department at 757-622-7382, extension 1614. |
