QUINCY, Mass. – A 63-year-old man from Quincy, Massachusetts, has been arrested and charged with cruelty to animals after allegedly attempting to set a raccoon on fire. According to the Quincy Police Department, officers responded to a home on Royal St. on Saturday night and found two neighbors arguing and a live raccoon with burn injuries in a trap cage.
Police say they obtained a video showing Andrew Chieu building a fire in a tin can and then placing the cage, with the raccoon inside, on top of the tin can as the fire intensified. Chieu was subsequently arrested and arraigned in Quincy District Court on Tuesday.
The Quincy Animal Control Officer transported the raccoon to a local animal hospital for treatment, although the extent of its injuries is currently unknown.
Cases of animal cruelty like this are deeply concerning and spark outrage in communities. This incident sheds light on the importance of being vigilant for signs of animal abuse and reporting any suspected cases to authorities. It also highlights the need for stricter enforcement of animal protection laws to prevent such cruel acts from occurring in the future.
As of now, Chieu is facing charges for his alleged actions, and the authorities are continuing to investigate the incident. The welfare of the injured raccoon is also being closely monitored as it continues its treatment at the animal hospital.
The Quincy Police Department is committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of all animals in the community and will continue to uphold the laws protecting them. This case serves as a reminder of the importance of holding individuals accountable for acts of cruelty against animals.