Animal Cruelty

June 4, 2015

Question: My daughter and I were going to the store on Saturday when we noticed a possum that had just crossed the road and was near the gutter on the other side of the road. The car in front of us veered to the other side of the road and ran over the possum on purpose!! I have been told that possums are a protected animal. Who do I contact to report this? I was shocked and very angry that someone would do this on purpose! I have pictures of the car, the license plate and of the possum. I would appreciate any help in this matter. There is no excuse for this kind of cruelty. (Kathi V., Orange County)

Answer: Opossums are not native to California but are originally from the southeastern United States. They are classified as a nongame animal (CCR Title 14, section 472). It may be difficult for a law enforcement officer to prove a violation here because the driver could say it was unintentional and that they were distracted and swerving because of other issues inside the car such as a coffee spill, dropped cell phone, etc. The driver might also claim he was attempting to avoid the animal but the animal got confused and ran back in the direction the car was veering, which does happen sometimes. However, despite these possible scenarios, what you described could be investigated as animal cruelty (see Penal Code section 597) or as an illegal method of take. Hopefully, this was something you will not come across again. But if you do, you can call the 24-hour CalTIP hotline at (888) 334-2256 or report by text message via “tip411 (numerically, 847411) or contact your local police department.

Might have been a Farmer with corn or chickens? Possum eat Corn, eggs and kill/eat Chickens. I have to deter them every once in a while.  Usually not with a car though
NOT PROTECTED, FERAL ANIMAL... TASTE REALLY BAD TOO!!!