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joho

Beach Fanatic
Aug 5, 2005
1,125
169
I have actually attended the possum festival but couldn't stomach eating the possum. They say it's pretty greasy and that's all it took to turn me off.

I did enjoy the people watching, checking out the exhibits, and food booths.
 

Dawn

Beach Fanatic
Oct 16, 2008
1,203
519
The Washington County News says an investigation into claims by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) that Wausau's annual Fun Day and Possum Festival violates state law isn't readily forthcoming. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) is expected to respond to PETA's demands for an investigation into the 45-year old event by saying the event doesn't violate any statutes.

PETA called Fun Day "an annual event in which terrified opossums are captured, auctioned, and shaken by their tails" and alleged the practice of shaking a possum by its tail can result in permanent injuries such as spinal dislocation, nerve damage, a prolapsed anus, and the rupture of the animals' largest vein.

"Many opossums returned to the wild after the event likely die because they can no longer use their tails to climb and engage in other behavior necessary for their survival or because they have succumbed to 'capture myopathy,' literally dying of fright," said PETA in a news release. ”Florida's wildlife and anti-cruelty laws prohibit displaying wildlife in a manner that is cruel or otherwise poses a threat to them."

Meanwhile, there is nothing prohibiting the practices of the Wausau Fun Day in Florida Statute, as possums are considered a "nuisance animal" and are therefore not protected by law.

FWC representative Katie Purcell acknowledged receiving the agency's complaint this week and said PETA's letter is "being reviewed."

Statute 68A-24.002 states nuisance animals - which includes possums - may be taken throughout the year by the use of guns, dogs, live traps or snares, and may be possessed or transported alive. The statute also states the animals may be taken at night by the aid of a light and dogs, with .22 rimfire firearms other than .22 magnum, or with a single-shot .410 gauge shotgun using shot no larger than No. 6. Hunting under the provisions of the statute is only prohibited by display or use of a light from a moving vehicle, boat, or animal.

Fun Day founder Dalton Carter stresses the event is intended revere the possum.

"We didn't start (Fun Day) to abuse the possum; we did it to honor it," said Carter. "We are animal lovers, and even built (the animal) a palace. The possums that are bid on are released back in a specified area, so the bids are really donations we give to causes like the Shriners and for college scholarships."

The Washington County News says PETA stands by its claims, asserting "animals are not ours to use for entertainment or abuse in any other way."
 

Anabia521

Beach Crab
Oct 21, 2014
1
0
The official Hurricane Party poster is out! Look for them around SoWal and invite your friends to the party! Tix now available online!
 
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