Officer Harold Malehorn said he received a complaint about the alleged Aug. 1 incident and early this week viewed the video posted on Twitter.
At least three to four people were captured on the video as one male appeared to stomp the animal to death, he said.
Malehorn said he's spoken with several of the people on the tape, including an 18-year-old and an older adult male, who denied killing a live groundhog.
"They claim it was already dead. They said it was a hoax," he said of the men, all Selinsgrove Area School graduates.
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| Someone who derives pleasure from the torture and killing of animals is likely to abuse and kill humans. |
Based on the video, which is no longer online, and photographs posted on Facebook, Malehorn doubts the animal was dead before the beating was carried out.
"It's not conclusive," said Malehorn, who continues to investigate.
If confirmed, he said, summary charges of unlawful taking of a groundhog could be filed and fines of up to $200 imposed.
A charge of animal cruelty only applies for domesticated animals, not wildlife, he said.
In June, four members of Southern Columbia High School's champion 2015 football team and one player from Danville High School were cited for killing several animals by BEATING THEM TO DEATH WITH BASEBALL BATS and then proudly posting photos of themselves with the carcasses.
The animals targeted were possums, pigeons, frogs, a raccoon and snake.
Last week, two Troy, N.Y., police officers (Tyler Sammon and Matt Spath) were suspended amid claims they purposely used a golf cart to chase a groundhog until it was exhausted and then ran over it and killed it while participating in a police union's golf tournament.
WHY IT'S NOT "JUST A GROUNDHOG":
There is something wrong with people who gain enjoyment from the suffering of others. Who, in history, has been like this? Ted Bundy? The BK Killer? The Boston Strangler?
It is even more disturbing that someone sworn to protect and serve may have been the ones who did this horrific deed.
Animals feel pain and terror just like we do. A groundhog feels pain and terror just like your beloved cat or dog.
(Sunbury Daily Item - Aug 11, 2016)
Related:
- New York: Authorities investigating reports that two police officers used a golf cart to purposely run over and kill a groundhog
- New York: Rensselaer County Police Officers Tyler Sammon and Matt Spath accused of deliberately chasing and exhausting groundhog and then running over and killing it
