By Times Staff Writer
Published September 15, 2004
SEMINOLE - Authorities are investigating an animal cruelty case in which an opossum was beaten to death, strung to a light pole and fitted with headphones and a suicide note.
When investigators found the dead animal, they also discovered one of its babies clinging to the marsupial's cold body. The inch-long, hairless newborn suffered hypothermia and had to be euthanized, said Beth Lockwood, executive director of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals of Pinellas County.
Lockwood said a Lakeview Mobile Home Park resident found the opossum Thursday and called the SPCA. Neighbors reported seeing two teenage boys in the area the night before, possibly hitting something with a stick.
Anyone with information is asked to call the SPCA Cruelty Help Line at (727) 586-3591.
