Raccoon killing draws interest of animal welfare group

<p>The Humane Society of the United States is asking for a thorough investigation into a report that three University of Georgia fraternity brothers beat, skinned and ate a raccoon.</p><p>The senseless killing of a raccoon is certainly a crime in Georgia. Its a violent crime, Ann Chynoweth, a lawyer for the animal welfare group, said Wednesday. We want it to be investigated.</p><p>Erik Zimmerman, 19, spotted the raccoon behaving behaving erratically outside the Phi Kappa Psi house on Dec. 12, according to a police report. He hit the animal with construction pylon and shot it five times with a pellet gun in the fraternitys parking lot, police said.</p><p>Patrick Perry, 19, skinned the raccoon, while at least five other fraternity members watched. The animal was then burned, and Ivan Garcia, age unknown, reportedly ate some of its meat, the report said. At least one fraternity member was treated for possible exposure to rabies, which can be fatal if left untreated.</p><p>No animal cruelty charges have been pressed against the men. Athens-Clarke County Solicitor General Ralph Powell, who will determine whether or not to file charges, did not return a phone call Wednesday seeking comment.</p><p>The three members involved will go before the fraternitys grievance committee after UGAs spring semester begins, said Larry Bales, fraternity president. They face possible sanctions from reprimands to expulsion from the fraternity.</p><p>It was an isolated incident that happened to happen on our property, Bales said Wednesday. Three members were out in the back parking lot acting foolish. We dont condone that type of activity.</p><p>The Humane Society has written a letter to UGA Interfraternity Council saying that those involved in killing the raccoon should be expelled from the fraternity, at the very least, Chynoweth said.</p><p>The boys-will-be-boys excuse ... is certainly not a defense to animal cruelty, Chynoweth said.</p><p>A UGA Greek system official did not return a phone call Wednesday seeking comment.</p>