Shawn Clarke says he would love to have a discussion with the individual(s) responsible for soaking a raccoon in what he assumes was paint thinner.
“I’m not sure how they did it, but it was certainly no accident,” said Clarke, who lives in Inverhaugh along Swan Creek, a tributary to the Grand River.
He made what he calls the “sickening” discovery last Saturday morning behind his home and shed.
A female raccoon was lying in its own feces, completely soaked and shivering, said Clarke, who at first assumed maybe the animal had taken an ill-advised dip in the creek.
But when he brought out a blanket and some water for the raccoon, the smell of “Varsol” was overwhelming.
“She was completely soaked in it,” he told the Advertiser. “She had ingested some … she was basically dying and in pain.”
He reported the find to the Ministry of Natural Resources (MNR) and sought advice from a couple of veterinarians, who suggested euthanizing the animal, “But that was not an option.” Instead, the raccoon was brought inside, bathed six times in dish soap and fed baby food and water.
“Sure enough, it’s worked,” said Clarke on Monday afternoon. He continued to feed the animal and give it water and planned to release it on Tuesday or Wednesday.
Reaction to what he has done to save the animal, which he has aptly nicknamed “Lucky,” has been resoundingly positive – from veterinarians to the MNR – but Clarke remains upset it was even necessary.
“I don’t care what anybody says, the person who did this is a sick individual,” he said, dismissing any suggestion the animal’s state could have been the result of an accident.
According to Clarke, the latest incident is just one in a long line of suspected animal poisonings in the area, including cats, raccoons, skunks, birds and squirrels.
“This is a prime habitat for all these animals and someone thinks they shouldn’t be here for some reason,” he said. “It’s pretty sad, really.”
MNR spokesperson Jolanta Kowalski said reports of wild animal poisonings are not common, but they do occur.
“But I’ve never heard of something like this before,” Kowalski said of Clarke’s raccoon account.
When informed the latest poisoning comes at the same time as reports of illegal hunting and deer poaching in other parts of Wellington County, Clarke says his area is also not immune to those activities.
Kowalski said anyone who finds a sick or injured wild animal should contact the local MNR office or call 1-800-667-1940. For more information visit mnr.gov.on.ca.
