A Plano wildlife rehabilitator is facing legal action from Richardson authorities after she rescued a raccoon left in a box trap for more than 12 hours in 100 degree weather. She is fighting the charges and will tell her dramatic story at a news conference tomorrow/Thursday 7/27/11 at noon, along with her attorney and representatives from local animal advocacy organizations. The event will take place on the courthouse steps, Richardson Municipal Court, 2100 E. Campbell Rd., Richardson 75081.
During the summer, animals often suffer and die from heat exposure when captured in box traps used by professional wildlife control companies and do-it-yourselfers. Local experts will be on hand at the event to explain the legal implications facing the wildlife rehabilitator and provide humane solutions for urban wildlife problems, as well as explain how seemingly humane box traps often cause animals to suffer and die.
Author’ note: Why is this wildlife rehabilitator facing legal action for rescuing a suffering animal? Can everyday citizens be arrested for doing the right thing? Why isn’t the trapper being charged with animal cruelty?
A valuable list of easy, do-it-yourself solutions for urban wildlife problems will be distributed at the news conference, which is intended as an opportunity to educate the public that it is illegal in Texas to capture an animal and leave it exposed to extreme temperatures. Animal lovers across the Metroplex are being asked to attend and show their support for humane treatment of all animals.
Speakers at the event will include Randy Turner, chair of the Animal Law Section of the State Bar of Texas; Bonnie Bradshaw, wildlife rehabilitator; Stacie Hughes, the Richardson resident who witnessed the raccoon suffering in the trap; and Jonnie England, Metroplex Animal Coalition director of animal advocacy and communications.
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Copyright Rebecca Poling 2011. All rights reserved. Email DFWAnimalRescue@att.net if you have a story you’d like to share.
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