ANIMAL WARDEN COOKS, EATS RACCOONS AFTER CAPTURE

In Shaker Heights, OH, the Animal Warden asked for and received permission from superiors for an employee to take home captured raccoons for purposes of providing food for his family. The animals regularly wander into the city from the wild and citizens call the Public Works Department for removal. After capture, they are normally euthanized and disposed.

Public Works Director Anthony DiPietro told Animal Warden Paul Pritchard to allow the employee to take the raccoons for consumption. Per Mr. Pritchard, the employee said his family had eaten wild game for years and considered it common practice.

Then City Councilman Ken Kovach received a complaint from a resident and action was initiated to stop the practice. Councilwoman Laura Holmes weighed in, stating there were two issues. "These are live raccoons and this is cruel."

As a result, Mayor Judy Rawson and the City Council invoked the following new policy:

No employees may take raccoons home with the intent to shoot them, cook them and eat them.

Once again, local government shows it can solve the city's problems. My question; if the employee took the raccoons home, dazed them with a club, slit their throats, cooked and ate them, would it be in violation of the policy?