Animal cruelty: Possum sealed in bag, dumped in Asling St, Brighton
Witnesses to a despicable act of cruelty in Brighton are being urged to come forward. You won’t believe what happened to this ringtail possum. SEE THE PICTURES
Inner South
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A ringtail possum is lucky to be alive after being left to die inside a sealed bag on a Brighton street.
The cruel act is being investigated by the RSPCA and the culprit could face a fine of up to $41,306, or 12 months jail.
The marsupial, dubbed Possum Magic, was rescued after a Asling St resident discovered the bag on the road Tuesday and called the RSPCA.
It was not clear if the bag had fallen from a moving vehicle such as a truck or if it was placed there intentionally.
RSPCA Victoria vets said a wound on the animal’s nose suggested it was caught in a trap before being sealed in the bag.
RSPCA Victoria Inspectorate Acting Team Leader Maree Crabtree said that the possum would
have no long-term injuries, but he would need time to recover from the trauma he had endured.
“Upon receiving the report from a concerned citizen, I was worried the ringtail possum wouldn’t be able to be saved. But it’s been a true good news story, despite the odds,” Ms Crabtree said.
“The possum would have experienced significant mental distress from being contained in such a way.
“Thankfully, he is in good hands and our focus is now on investigating and prosecuting the individual who committed this act of animal cruelty.”
She said the society relied on community help to solve animal cruelty cases and urged anyone with information about Possum Magic to phone 9224 2222 or visit rspcavic.org
Ringtail possums are protected under the Wildlife Act 1975 and it is illegal to harass or interfere with possums.
For information on how to live in harmony with possums visit this website.
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