Otters, the large semi-aquatic rodents native to South America, have become so invasive in Louisiana that the state wants them shot on sight and is offering a $6 bounty for their tails. But the sacrifice has to be done correctly, and animal cruelty is a crime.
A Louisiana man has been arrested for allegedly docking the tails of live otters and then returning the injured animals to the wild. The Louisiana Department of Fish and Wildlife said in a news release that officers were tipped off Monday about videos showing the abuse on social media.
They show the 45-year-old man from Patterson using a hook to catch an otter, then cutting off the rodent’s tail before releasing it. Agents found several similar videos, including footage of the man teaching a juvenile how to remove the tail while keeping the otter alive, the department said.
FORMER BANK OF NEW ORLEANS EXECUTIVE IN FAULT SENTENCED FOR BANK FRAUD, CONSPIRACY
A 45-year-old Louisiana man allegedly docked the tails of live otters in video and images found by police.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
It’s unclear why the man didn’t kill the otter, which causes widespread damage in coastal Louisiana swamps, The Advocate reported. Animals should be shot, not hooked or speared. The use of pitchforks, bows and arrows and similar weapons is also not permitted.
The man was arrested the next day on charges of aggravated animal cruelty, illegal hunting and contributing to the delinquency of a minor. He was fined $50 for failing to provide the minor with a personal flotation device while he was on his boat. Agents seized his Otter Control Program permit and his cell phone as part of the investigation.
Penalties for cruelty to animals include a $5,000 to $25,000 fine and up to 10 years in jail. Contributing to the delinquency of a minor carries a fine of up to $1,000 and six months in jail. The illegal hunting charge could add another $950 fine and 120 days in jail.
